Sunday, February 20, 2011

Invest!

Lately the Lord has been speaking to me this word- Invest! At first I was thinking in terms of our finances as I manage our investments in stocks, ETF's, options and such. But the Lord directed me to meditate on my relationship with Jamie.

Since it was Valentine's week and we had just been through a very busy three months with a foster baby in the house. A hectic work schedule in addition to writing our second book and speaking engagements. We decided to take a few days off and go to a B&B secluded in North Georgia mountains.

There while hiking, the Lord was speaking to me about investment in my relationship with Jamie. Relationships take time to develop. The best ones are based upon a mutual investment of time. As we spent hours together hiking and talking, having quiet dinners together and intimate time we were able to reconnect and share our thoughts with each other.

We had both quality time and quantity of time together. Relationships need both of those things to thrive. At home, we may be together in the same house but involved in different projects and responsibilities. We've found over 26 years of marriage that we each have a unique perspective on things that is God given. As we come together and share that perspective, there is wisdom and understanding through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus had both quality time and quantity of time with His disciples. Pouring into them day by day the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Father. His loving care for them is evident throughout the scriptures. With teachable moments he used situations to illustrate what the Kingdom of God is like. Instilling Kingdom principles and preparing them for what was to come.

It's the same with our relationship with our spouses. We spend time together developing intimacy. Knowing each others heart and strengthening the bonds of relationship for the challenging times that come to all relationships.

We've discovered three ways to invest in our relationship:

1. We pray together daily. We attack the issues confronting us in prayer together. It is a daily exercise in faith for us. Several years ago our son was diagnosed with a learning disability. His teachers wanted to label him as "LD". We would not allow it nor did we receive it. We dedicated that issue to prayer believing that God was healing him. Each year as he was tested in school, his scores improved. By the time he graduated from high school, he was on the honor role and taking college level courses. Now in college, he is in the honor society and a nursing scholar. Praise God for His faithfulness!

2. We spend time together away from the everyday responsibilities of life. We do this three times each year. On our anniversary, we take a trip together then two other times we set up at least a long weekend to spend away together. If you have young children, it is essential that you have time away from them to focus on your relationship with each other. Leave the cell phone off and the laptop restricted for use only once a day. Turn off from work!

3. We spend time studying the Word together. We each have a God given perspective on the Word so it is very valuable to read and study together. Use what works for you, we use the daily bible as a starting place then we read other passages as the Lord directs. We read proverbs daily choosing the proverb corresponding to the date.

All great relationships are tested and they stand the test of time! Investing in your marriage relationship has great rewards in the here and now and for eternity. Our prayer for you is that you spend the time to truly make your relationship great. Invest!!!