Who is your biggest fan?
That question should cause you to consider how your spouse would answer it. Husbands and wives should be the biggest fan of one another.
What does that mean? For one thing, it means we pray for one another. We protect one another. We show genuine compassion for one another. We want to be a part of the solutions rather than complicate problems. Further, it is crucial that we cheer for one another.
I remember a time not long ago when I was speaking at a conference with some very high-profile religious leaders. Beverley, my wife, could tell I was nervous and that this engagement was important to me. I delivered my message and gave it my best. As we were walking out of the convention hall, Beverley slipped her arm through mine, looked at me and said, "I was proud of you tonight." I can't tell you how much that meant to me. The one who mattered most had affirmed me.
Take a few minutes to think over the last few weeks through a relational lens. Did you affirm your spouse and your children regularly? Did you look for the positive in each of them rather than the negative? Did you take the time to ask, "How are you doing?" Did you, by your words, actions and deeds, express an unconditional love? Did you live your faith as an example?
Let us seek to love one another as God has loved us. When we do, we'll find that we've become the biggest fan our spouses have ever had.
Ever feel like you need to wear a mask to cover up who you are? Are you concerned that, if people knew who you really are and how you really felt, they wouldn't understand?
One minister, two jobs and the family that's at the top of the list. The number of bivocational ministers, those in full- or part-time ministry who carry an additional job, is estimated by some researchers to be as high as 30 percent of ministers nationwide.
"You should see the church they attend," Lucille said, armed with bulletin and newsletter. Creases formed across my brow as celebration gave way to comparisons a trap that had sprung too many times.