Daily Wisdom 06-07-2003 Freedom In Marriage

"We commonly confuse closeness with sameness and viewintimacy as the merging of two separate "I's" into oneworldview." - Harriet LernerMy husband and I sometimes make an unlikely duo.While he is very traditional and set in his ways, I enjoy exploring new sights, sounds and experiences. I no longer begrudge my spouse of who he is, but rather, I embrace these aspects of his character which assist in balancing other facets of my own persona. As a married couple, I need the parts of him that I may not possess to full capacity my self, and he has grown to also appreciate the unique parts of me which inspire him to be a more well-rounded person.

Some people, when involved in a relationship, try to change the other person, and make them something they are not. This leads to discontentment from both parties since most individuals tend to not prefer to be pushed and prodded to be a replica of someone else's version of perfection. We need to let go of this silly notion of earthly perfection which simply does not exist except in the eye of the beholder. If we go about our life constantly concerned about how others may perceive us, not only will we never find peace and acceptance within ourselves, but we will deprive ourselves of life's most pleasant joys. Such spontaneous expressions of who we are, such as a sudden laugh, sincere smile, or truthful words spoken in love show, not only the world, but ourselves, that we are OK just the way we are, and we have a right, just as much as anyone else, to be who we truly are just as God made us.

Just as in marriage, I do not believe in putting on airs regarding our faith in God. Either we believe or we don't. Either we will LIVE our faith with confidence, or we will hide it in embarrassment. As with our earthly spouse, either we love our life partner or we don't. There is no middle ground where love and God is concerned.

Today, won't you ponder making a firm commitment to that which you hold truly important?

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr