Priorities

My husband Chris and I both have a huge heart for marriages and an even bigger heart for families. This first post will speak mainly to those married with children but the lesson is still equally valuable to those without. Have you ever been on a airplane and received instructions from the flight attendant? You know the one,
" Ladies and gentlemen, or those flying with small children, in the event of an emergency please place your own oxygen mask on first before assisting your children ". I know, this sounds a bit selfish or maybe even backwards, but it's not. There is a purpose behind it, in fact, a very good one. You see, we would be of no use whatsoever to our children if we ourselves could not breathe. I know I'm almost rendered useless after I've walked a couple flights of stairs much less without any oxygen at all!

Our marriages work the same way. In order to have a succesful family, we have to focus on our marriage first and foremost, even before the kids. Go with me for a minute, imagine on that plane if you took your child's oxygen mask and put it on them and then proceeded to hyperventilate or faint in front of your child because you didn't have the time or ability to get your own on. What would your child's reaction be? Would it be one of peace and calmness? Probably not. But now, imagine your child being the one hyperventilating while you took care of your mask but then placed the mask on your child so they could breathe once again. Peace would be restored. These are the same priorities we need in our marriages. The best gift you can give your child is the gift of prioritizing their mother or father first. Your kids will be much more at peace when they know mom and dad are breathing. Sure, they may struggle for a little bit while everyone's trying to catch their breath but when they see that their parents are ok they will soon follow suit. For your children and for a succesful marriage, your spouse must come first in the dynamics of your family and your marriage must be a priority. If you want to meet the needs of your children then be willing to do what it takes to meet the needs of your marriage. Don't just give in to the lack of oxygen. Fight for it, find that oxygen mask whether it's in a counselor's office, a pastor's office or elsewhere. Make the decision today that scrambling around not breathing is no longer an option.

So, are you ready to put some new oxygen back in your marriage?

Happily married...take the time to remind your spouse how valuable they are to you. Let them know that your relationship is a priority to you. Thank God for blessing your marriage with a partnership.

Headed for trouble... Catch your breath. Wait to re-act, take time to pray for your marriage. Ask God where you may be missing the mark with your priorities. Dig in your heels and be willing to do all that it takes.


Until next time, be blessed, be fully loved by the Lord and intentionally re-align your priorities!