- “When God does bring me my spouse, I know the wait will make me appreciate him more.” – Dear friend of mine
This is a paraphrase. I cannot remember what she said word for word, but I do remember talking to one of my dearest friends on the phone one day about relationships. I appreciated her perspective on waiting. We will not always know why God has us wait for certain blessings and it is especially hard when you see everyone else around you (or so it seems) enjoying the very blessing you desire most. But, I think my friend showed great wisdom in her statement. In essence, she was saying, “Yes, I want to get married. Yes, I would like it to be soon. However, I know when God’s timing is right, I will only be more appreciative of the man God has for me after having waited so long for him.” So much of the Christian life is waiting. We have to trust God’s wisdom and timing.
- “Heather, he is like a race car and you are like a little VW Bug.” – Miss Betty in explaining to me the difference in a teenage boy’s hormones and my hormones when I was about fourteen. ~smile~
For some reason, I have always had a “thing” for older guys. When I was a teenager, I was typically not interested in anyone born in my own decade. The problem was I had no real idea of what was going on inside those guys’ bodies – and I was a lovey, dovey, hang-all-over-you kind of naïve little girl who thought she was all grown up. So, Miss Betty was trying to get through to me on the differences between teenage boys’ and teenage girls’ “engines.” God bless Miss Betty for loving me enough to have that awkward conversation. She was right, though. Ladies, if you and your boyfriend are trying to keep your relationship pure, it is essential that you keep from rubbing your body against his. You may mean it as “I love you,” but it will only make him struggle.
- “Honey, when you do that… and you’ve never done that before… ooohhhhh, what a feelin’ it is!” – Granny Jones
This was perhaps the funniest moment of my entire life. Mom, my friend Lisa, and I were visiting my Granny when I was about twenty-years-old. The subject of physical purity came up and Granny thought she should weigh in. She wanted to let us young, unmarried ladies know that there is such a peace and joy that comes with a clear conscious and how wonderful it is to go into your wedding night knowing that you have saved yourself for marriage… but that is not what it sounded like when she blurted out the above quote. Just picture the sweetest, most darling, godly old woman in the world when you re-read her quote. We laughed violently and she had no idea what was so funny (to the pure, all things are pure….). When she finally realized how her words had been received, she tried in desperate vain to explain herself. We knew what she meant, but we simply could not stop cackling. So, I would encourage you to heed the wisdom of my dearly departed Granny Jones and not do “that” until you get married, because ooohhhhh what a feelin’ it is when you’ve never done that before. ~smile~
- “When you and your husband fight, don’t run to your parents. You will be able to forgive him, but they will have a harder time.” – Former co-worker
This is a paraphrase of a piece of advice I received from a co-worker when I was engaged – and it just makes sense. Think about that friend you have who always complained about his or her love interest. Remember how mad you would get at his girlfriend or her boyfriend and how surprised and perplexed you would be when your friend just kept going back for more? When you call your parents every time you and your significant other or spouse fight, they will begin to develop a negative taste in their mouth for him or her. You and your sweetie will make up, but your parents, siblings, friends and anyone else you vent to will continue to see him or her through negative lenses. So, when you have little arguments, resist the urge to call your mom; instead, take your feelings to the Lord in prayer. However, if there is abuse happening, you need to seek help and let others know so they can help you.
- “Forgiving is the hardest giving you will ever do.” – Pastor from the church in which I grew up, in North Carolina
From what I have experienced in my marriage, it is far simpler to cook, clean, and serve my husband than it is to forgive him. The labor of running a home and the energy it takes to keep emotional intimacy is not as hard as humbling myself, forgetting my pride, and forgiving my husband. It is not as hard to forgive him when he asks for it, but we are called to forgive when the party expresses regret … and when they do not. Sometimes, you will have to forgive your sweetheart simply because God told you to do so, even if he or she will not acknowledge his or her wrong in the matter.
Wisdom All Around You
We are shaped by what we hear, so it is important that we surround ourselves with people who speak the truth and care about us. We need other people… even us introverts who do not always like to admit it! ~smile~ I’m thankful for the amazing people God has placed in my life and the lessons I have learned from them!
Are there any sayings you remember from your family or friends that have shaped you, inspired you, or made you laugh hysterically? If so, we would love to hear about them!