Avoiding Spousal or Kid Relationship Destruction…
http://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/30.html
As you can see in the text, there’s a “Who do we think we are?!” point to be heeded. It’s clear that the moment we start thinking we are something, we should begin learning that we aren’t any better than those around us. I always grimace when I’m working with someone who thinks he or she is better than his or her spouse.
Or anyone else, for that matter…
Or more holy.
In the words of Paul, “there are none righteous, not even one.”
But we DO think we are something…and time and again, God allows our circumstances, conflicts with others, lack of satisfaction or joy, an absence of peace, to teach us what we, too often, are like that “stiff-necked after many rebukes” guy from yesterday’s post…and we see our marriages or our relationships with our kids destroyed without remedy (from the verse).
If divorce isn’t destruction, I don’t know what is. Research shows that kids of divorce are still dealing with its ramifications into their 40’s and 50’s. And the chance of divorcing in a second marriage is over 60% and a third time – over 75%.
Because everywhere we go, there we are…and we take our lack of communication and relationship skills with us.
And if teenage rebellion and constant conflict with our kids at any age isn’t destruction, I don’t know what is. Children who grow up in homes like this have significantly more problems in life than those who have homes where conflict like this is minimal or nonexistent. While I don’t believe it is the government’s job to fix this, there’s some interesting research on this issue here.
So what’s necessary in marriage is necessary in child-rearing: emotional maturity (aka emotional intelligence) and relationship skills.
We don’t claim to be perfect, and we encourage you to join us on this journey. We’re doing a parenting and grand-parenting class for Cincinnati area locals this fall – Sunday nights, 6:15pm to 8:45pm, at Faith Church in Milford. It will run through November 27. And no, there’s no public speaking like in Daughters of Sarah®! Anyone can attend. More information is available on our Facebook® page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140941792663100 . The cost is minimal. We’ll let you know as soon as we have the manuals finished.
Dare you to take the class…double dog dare you to “subscribe” above or share with a friend! 🙂
Thankful to be on the journey with you!
~Nina