With this week’s call to prayer for marriages, I have a praise to report. Since praying and thinking about my own marriage quite a bit this week (thanks to Sheila!), I sit here today in the quietness of my home and realize that what will improve my marriage and my view of my marriage is contentment. The phrase slippery slope comes to mind. Somehow I got on a slippery slope years ago and it seems I just kept sliding. Complaining. That’s probably how it began. I complained that my husband didn’t do this or that, or that he didn’t do things the right way, etc. All of that complaining drove a wedge between us. Then I became angry, frustrated, hurt, resentful and more. I recognize that complaining is never good. I learned from the Israelites after they left captivity in Egypt. It’s so easy to see when you read their story. “Stop complaining!” I want to yell. Thank God! Trust God! Be grateful! Be content! God is leading you! God is with you! Look back on all that He’s done for you!! And so I say the same thing to myself…wake up! Tears fill my eyes as I feel the pain of disobedience and understand how I am responsible for the struggles in my marriage. I hear Paul say, I have learned to be content. And right here, right now, I say the same thing as Paul. I have learned to be content. My husband is answers to MANY prayers! Years and years of prayers!! He loves me. He treats me well. He loves our children. He treats them well. He takes care of us as best as he knows how. He loves God. I always say how he would do anything for me, and I believe it’s true. I just can’t get him to read my mind. Darn. Ha! (Maybe that’s a good thing) Anyway, this is a praise report and prayer request…thanking God for making things so clear and asking Him to keep it clear. My husband is an amazing gift. My marriage is a gift. Father, let me show my gratitude by honoring, loving, respecting and caring for my husband all my days. And on the days I don’t feel like it, let me do it out of obedience to You. Contentment. I’ve learned it. I am content and what’s more is that I realize how blessed I truly am. It’s funny because it’s what my Mom’s been trying to tell me for years. I have a hard head. Thank you for my Mom. She, too, is an incredible gift. Forgive me, Father. I’ve taken these gifts for granted. I’ve been selfish and self-centered. I’ve been a fool. I’ve hurt myself and others. I know I am not condemned. I am completely forgiven! That is AMAZING grace!! Your kindness leads me to repentance. Your love draws me close. I will love with Your love. I’m your girl. I want to be like you, Daddy. I know I am and it’s all because of You. Incredible! Wow! Thank You! I love You! I pray all this in Jesus’ Name. You are mine and I am Yours. Bless the marriages of DAB- heal, renew, restore. Thank You for answering prayer. Thank You for this Prayer Wall. Amen and Amen!