April 18, 2006
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Nurturing our partnership
One way of showing love to another person is to take the time to know and be with that person. How often do we take the time to do something thoughtful for our partner? How often do we take the time to listen, support and connect? When we don’t take the time to nurture our partnership, the relationship goes hungry. Impatience, judgment and distrust set in. Communication gets sloppy. Inner temperature rise and conflicts begin to brew. Partnership can not be a secondary thing. It can’t come after work and other responsibilities. It must come first. If we choose to be in relationship, our responsibility to connect with our partner becomes as important as our responsibility to connect with our inner self. They are equally important. We don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to nurture our partnership.
Today, my spiritual practice is to accept my husband the way he is. No matter what he says or does, I am to accept as gracefully as I can. If he spills the wine on our new floor, I am not to fuss about it. If he is depressed, I am not to complain about his grumpiness. I am not to yell, criticize or complain. I am not to be sarcastic. I am not to reference the past. I am simply to accept. Moreover, I am going to reassure him that I love him. I will ask if there is anything I can do to make his life easier. Today, I let nothing interfere with love for my husband. I put him first and let everything else come afterward.
What will you do for your partnership today?
Comments (15)
That’s so sweet.
Since I’m single, my family and friends come first. But I believe I’m always good to them. = )
I have no partner now–I’m investing in my relationship with God right now.
HOWEVER, I think all of us–in ALL of our relationships–could benefit from your advice about accepting people the way they are. We can’t ever change people to our liking–I think that’s where a lot of problems occur.
You don’t know how timely this entry is, TrimTab. Huh.
Well, what I did today, was suck it up, and do the errands that needed doing. Including and especially, going on a 60 mile loop drive to drop off our lawnmower for repair. I know, it is important to Spouse, and so I did it. That was my gift to him, once I got over my grumpiness in having to.
I did it, because it was important to him. I hope he sees that, with an understanding heart. Sometimes it *is* the little things that make a big difference.
Good post, nice reading material… i’ll be back tomorrow for more good stuff!
I wish I had a partnership… maybe one day I will get married, that would be fun. Hope you have a great week!
I agree and bravo! hehe.
) I sure hope to find that significant other of mine one day, perhaps. And Yes. I do have 7 dogs. 
)
Play video games? Oops something tells me that is not a right answer.
I like the image of a bank and the necessity of making many more deposits than withdrawals with respect to nurturing our partner. Too often after withdraw after withdraw and you find yourself bankrupt there is not enough left in the bank to get you through the daily bumps in the road.
awwww you’re such a good wife. RON IS LUCKY… ROn——>>>>> Did you hear that????? Lucky guy..
This is so right on and beautiful you are a good wife, Judi
Today I will once again drag my sunburned body outside to work beside my husband, staining our deck..Give up the sarcasm? Now that’s a toughie
I agree to fully support his dream of retiring from his job in one year, even though he does not know where he is heading. This means that we will be relying on God’s gudiance and support. I have made my change to be a frog (fully rely on God), now it is his turn. Life is Great!
I will try to honor her by listening intently. The greatest gift you can give someone. The best teachers listen and ask questons.
Lenn
Embrace a kind heart with understanding eyes. Happy Tuesday, Anh. =)
What a great post! My wife treated me exactly this way yesterday and I was so grateful! Today I will do the same for her. Have a great day!