Round 5 – Day 13 – Love Fights Fair
“Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to "fight" by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.”
Fifth round and still have not had a conversation about rules of engagement. Not sure why bringing up such “rules” doesn’t come to me before or after this dare comes around every time because he certainly has no “rules” and I do my very best to follow what I laid out since round one. Anyways, I prayed first thing this morning on how to accomplish it today.
My husband and I were leaving about the same time today. I had gone upstairs to grab a chance of clothes since I was not coming home right after work. When I came back down he was out the door locking it behind him without saying a word. I opened it back up with a smile on my face. He knew exactly why. He smiled back and jokingly said, “Hey you unlocked the door I just locked.” I responded, “Mhmmm, you know why.” He knows how I am with my ‘byes’ and always has…just nowadays he doesn’t care. So he kindly came back in so I could give him a hug and kiss telling him to have a good day and I loved him. His response, “Drive safe and go to the doctor.” I was thinking huh? I told him yesterday that I got a doctor’s appointment scheduled for first thing Monday. I reminded him of that, which he said, “I know…you just need to go.” I said okay and off to work he went.
On my way to work the thought came to mind, which is not the first time – is his brokenness going to come due to my health trials? That is the only time he expresses his “love” for me if you want to even call it that…I told God from the get go I am game for whatever He needs to use me for. I know I am in His hands. However, one can get tired of all this after awhile…just keep praying for His strength.
Work came and went. I then headed to my parents since my dad and I were going to go to ‘concert in the park’ to see one of our favorite acapella groups (unfortunately my husband doesn’t like them). Due to traffic my dad wasn’t able to get home in time so we forwent that plan and ended up just going out to dinner. I got home pretty late again. Hubby had just gone to bed, but was awake enough to talk more work stuff. I snuggled up next to him and this time he thankfully didn’t distant himself, but instead put his arms around me.
Have you ever asked him about the rules of engagement? Why do you think it's so hard for you to bring up? I know it's a hard topic. I know GOD will give you the strength to do it. Praise GOD your day ended up sweetly with your hubby. Your hubby does seem very concerned about your health. Praise GOD for that!
I have yet to ask him about rules of engagement. Honestly, I don't know why. Just never felt it pressed upon me to do so yet...but that could also be fear masking it because I tire of his anger. You are right though - Christ will give me the strength to do it in His time.
You need to trust Christ in this dare and do it as it is intended... Be loving, be kind, be a testimony!