Wise counsel

That seems to have been the theme for this week. This past weekend began with a pretty big blow up between my sweet hubby and I. As often as can occur in a fourteen year marriage, or one year marriage even, that little by little things build. Till one day, one unfortunate day, the dam breaks. And the hurt and resentment comes rushing out in between tears and loud words and silent times. And usually, the other partner stands there completely speechless, having no idea that construction had been going on all this time.

Why do we do this? Push hurt deep? I know for me, many times, it's in my effort to be a good wife. To be submissive. To be respectful. But I have also discovered that there are many more times than not, that I need to respectfully speak up. Not to push things so deep, calling it holy living in the process. God doesn't approve stuffing emotions to later explode on someone days, months, years of hurts. There is nothing holy about that. For God is much more interested in the condition of our soul than anything else. Stretching us, teaching us, reprimanding us, disciplining us, it's all for our good. For our soul to cleanse and stretch to allow more of His likeness.

So between sobs and silence, God was doing just that. On both of us. But sometimes... ok, MOST of the time, God calls on us to seek wise counsel. When wounds are deep, sometimes there is no quick healing balm, but a surgery may be in order. That takes hands, heads, and hearts more experienced than your own. Scot suggested we call a couple spiritual doctors we know. Mom and Dad. Can I just say what an incredible blessing it is to be able to call your own parents for wise counsel? That they would be so precious that my husband would want to seek counsel from my parents? That they would be so unbiased that he felt no threat that they would be taking sides? Amazing I tell you. I pray that we are those kind of parents for our own children.

And our meeting of hearts and minds over some delicious food at a new fave restaurant, Savor, was just the marital surgery we needed. We were able to talk and heal and move forward feeling triumphant. Knowing there was nothing left unsaid, no more hurt feelings, and most importantly feeling more deeply connected to one another. Going deeper. Peeling back another layer. And blending hearts once again.

The source of our former problem had many layers to question and more work to be done. Only now it was with calm words and souls united. We spent a day with some sweet friends and God provided wise counsel again! What a blessing. That night as we lay in bed talking, we felt more of the puzzle falling into place.

Today, as we ate lunch at Olive Garden and verbally peeling back the layers of our onion, we came to the same conclusion and we each had total PEACE. God is amazing. If you would have asked me a week ago, if I thought we could work this out and both have peace, I would have emphatically said no way! But that is because in the flesh, unity is NOT possible. But in the spirit, with the God, all things are possible. No mountain is too big for you to climb.

And then, as if basking in the sweetness of His goodness this week was not enough, God blessed us again! Again, we sought wise counsel and again He gave direction. Only these directions will lead us to a beach in Florida. Oh happy day!

Frantically packing tonight, we can't stop smiling at each other. Tomorrow we leave for Destin. And thankfully leaving these rainy days behind.