31 Days Of Change :: Day 2--Love God More Than You Love Your Family

I would say it's a coincidence that I plan to discuss God during a post that is set to run on a Sunday, but when it comes to God, I don't believe in consequences.
I have said to both Bobby and my kids at times "I love you more than anything in the whole wide world."  There are plenty of times that I believe that, too.  I love Bobby for so many reasons, most of which are hard to verbalize.  I love him because I know that he knows EVERYTHING about me and loves me anyway.  I love him because I know that at the end of the day he only wants good things for me.  Often times I love him because I think he loves me more.  But I love God more.

God gave me Bobby.  He knew that I needed a calm, funny, forgiving person to balance my life.  God knew that I would be Rob and Caroline's mommy someday and He chose Bobby to be their daddy.  I joke when C is pitching a fit "Quit acting like your daddy," but in reality she is already showing signs of his wit and charm.  Rob inherited Bobby's loving heart and giving spirit.

When things are going badly in this home, it's so easy to say "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why me?"  But when things are going well, it's so easy to forget Who is the ultimate provider of both the good and the bad.

If you want your home to be stronger, healthier (mentally and physically), happier, etc., then earn it from the Ultimate Provider.  It has been said: you must be the change you want to see. Is something not working in your current relationship and/or household? Or, maybe everything is working good enough, but you smartly know there is always room for improvement.

When Bobby and I got married, we chose to have The Beatitudes read during the ceremony. 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, (humble)
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, (regret over sin, suffering, and sorrow)
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

(gentle, kind, and self-controlling)
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

(forgiving)
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,

(free of all selfish intentions and self-seeking desires)
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

(those who bring peace and friendship to others)
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

from the Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10

No, I don't like like this everyday. This month, I challenge you and myself to pick just one of the following Beatitudes and apply it to your daily life. If you feel you have mastered it, move on to another. I expect I would be happily surprised by the results of being the change I want.