Our First Dare - Love is Patient

The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It’s better to hold your tongue than to say something you’ll regret.

Being a communication major my last year of college (after 3 years of nursing – don’t even ask), I always knew men and women were wired differently. So dating Andrew has not only been fun, but challenging at times. I can remember calling my mom and ask if I was doing the right thing after I got engaged…I was so concerned about my frustration that I was scared and not motivated to get married. I clearly remember this day, the frustration, but remembering what I was frustrated about…is a bit foggy. And even though I knew men are wired differently, it took my mom to remind me that God made us differently so that we can be each others’ strength. If we didn’t prop one another up, nothing would get accomplished.

Today (Sunday, March 1), started out with Memphis snowed in. We literally had a blizzard.

Memphis news announced it was the biggest snow fall since 1968!! Funny thing is…our home, the Bluegrass State…got nothing! But, it melted fast and we were able to get out and do something. We planned on meeting up with Ashley and Jose around 4p to workout, so Andrew – a procrastinator – decided to wait until 2:45p to head out to Dillards to see if they have any dresses on sale. As a female…I need a little more time than that and expressed my concern about being back by 4p (more than once…since he wasn’t responding). He got a little frustrated and told me not to worry about the 4p time. I was just trying to be considerate and asked him to call and see if we can push it back. I was beginning to think…maybe my dad is right…it’s a “Fire starter” for people who feel their marriages are fine. We proceeded to Dillards. I reacted to his impatience by critiquing his driving…hitting potholes and complaining that driving carelessly would give my car a flat tire or by braking late we could easily rear-end someone (that’s his normal driving). My frustration, however, quickly gave way to laughing and joking again. At the store, I didn’t really see anything that caught my eye…except 1 dress that wasn’t on sale – it was $60…not bad…but we’re on a Dave Ramsey budget. Plus, we have been doing good about not shopping.

Later that evening, we worked on the budget before bed. As an organized perfectionist, I asked if we can categorize our folders (in the computer). As a man, Andrew didn’t think it was necessary and got a little impatient again, because I tend to repeat things since he doesn’t respond. So, I slammed the laptop shut and stormed off to bed. We ended up laughing in bed as usual…so all is good. I know I should not let his reaction affect mine, but sometimes it is hard. Our first day, was a little bumpy…but it only gets better…

Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. ~James 1:19