Now that it is July, many of us are taking care of our garden. We would encourage you to be planting these in your marriage garden: lettuce, peas, squash and thyme.
“Lettuce” be caring of one another and put the other first. “Lettuce” be honest with one another for dishonesty is displeasing to God and our spouse. “Lettuce” be committed to one another so that there will never be any doubt that your marriage is as important to you as it is to God. “Lettuce” communicate with each other so we stay connected and united in growing together in love and joy.
Within our marriage we should strive to plant “peas” of mind by striving towards the same goals and desires. We should love and respect each other so that we would have “peas” of heart. And finally, we should be kind to each other and seek to do God’s will together so that we can have “peas” in our soul.
Together we need to “squash” indifference towards each other by taking an active part in each others interests and activities. We should also “squash” selfishness and try to serve each other.
While you are planting all of these plants in your garden you should find that you have made “thyme” for each other! And certainly “thyme” is what is needed to allow all of the vegetables to grow strong and true.
To help you in your marriage garden, we encourage you to work on your GROWTH.
Go to God in daily prayer. John 15:7
Read God’s word daily. Acts 17:11 (The gospel of John is a great place to begin)
Obey God, moment by moment. John 14:21
Witness for Christ by your life and words. Mathew 4:19 and John 15:8
Trust God for every detail of your life. 1 Peter 5:7
Holy Spirit: allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness. Galatians 5:16 and Acts 1:8
Go through the scripture verses above and discuss them with your spouse. List a few areas of your life that need growth. What can be done to strengthen these areas? And above all, thank God for what He is doing in your marriage.
by Mark & Jan Frink