“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV
Jane asked her husband, Aaron, for help losing weight after the birth of their third son. So each morning, Aaron would wake Jane up, and they’d drive to their local gym. They both did their workouts together and left.
But Jane had never been a morning person. She struggled to wake up in the mornings and rarely said more than a word or two to Aaron until after their workouts.
Meanwhile, Aaron thought Jane was unhappy with their arrangement. So when they were at a party, he offered to become another attendee’s gym buddy.
Jane was crushed. She thought they were working well together. She felt angry and rejected, too. Still, she waited until they were home alone to bring up the subject. She waited patiently, listening to Aaron.
He’d assumed Jane was unhappy with their routine but enjoyed going to the gym. He didn’t want to bring up the conversation and risk hurting her.
Sometimes, expectations can get in the way in our relationships. It takes patience and humility to talk through issues together lovingly. Communication is important. You may be surprised to discover what your spouse, child, or sibling is really thinking and feeling.
Prayer:
Lord, when I’m hurt and weighed down by my own expectations, grant me the grace to lovingly discuss it with my family. Help me to be patient and hear the heart behind their words. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
