Our 16-year-old daughter was persuaded to join the challenge by a friend, and has persevered through today, day #19. It's been tough. She hasn't struggled with the exercise or Bible reading, but oh my, the food. She has been frustrated and cranky, first when the same friend dropped out on day #2, then when some of her other friends have eaten fast food in front of her, and especially when she had PMS (that our family survived that week intact is nothing short of a miracle). She has craved chocolate, Taco Bell, pizza, and well, JUNK food. She wants to quit so she can delight in some of that processed, preservative-filled goodness, but she is just stubborn enough to press on so she will not be labeled a "quitter".
A few days ago, I tried to share with her how perfectly this challenge illustrates the commitment to marriage. She didn't really want to listen, but it made sense to me, so I will share it with you, lucky one. On Day #1 of this challenge, people were positive and enthusiastic. They had picked their 30 foods, they had planned how they were going to exercise, and what particular Bible reading plan they would follow. In the same way, on your wedding day, you've got the pretty dress, the handsome Mr. Wonderful, the great wedding gifts, and the detailed plan for the rest of your blissful lives. Happily ever after, and all that, you know? Day #6 of the challenge rolls around, and you realize you don't really care for some of the bland foods you chose, and you're stuck with them for 24 more stinkin' days. Day#6/Month #6/Year #6 (take your pick) of your marriage, you notice the handsome groom makes gross noises sometimes, leaves dirty clothes on the bathroom floor and shoes all over the bedroom, and let's face it, these things annoy you. Yes, he is still handsome, and probably sweet, but is he ever going to grow up?! Like, before he turns 40?! Day #17 of the challenge comes along, and you are really just SICK.TO.DEATH of eating fruits, veggies, etc. You know they are good for you, but you want some chips and salsa, or a brownie, or just one little, bitty piece of candy. You covet the molten lava cake of the person at the table next to you. Now, back to the marriage idea, here you are on Day #17/Month #17/Year #17, and you have realized your husband is not, shall we say, "fluent" in your love language? You need to hear sweet words, or receive thoughtful gifts, or just have him do one load of laundry, for Pete's sake. So you start to think, "Other husbands seem to adore their wives and do these things; why doesn't mine?" Day #29 of lommoY, and you have had ENOUGH of this idiotic challenge. Bring on the ice cream. Day #29/Month #29/Year #29 of marriage, and the same handsome groom is irritable about 75% of the time, and the other 25% wants to know why you have a problem. There will be days when you wonder, "What was I thinking? I don't even like (insert spouse's name) right now! Why did I marry him again?!" But, rewind back to Day #1. You committed yourself to this man for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, SO LONG AS YOU BOTH SHALL LIVE. You committed to loving him, comforting him, supporting him. You are in this for the long haul...aren't you? Every day is not a delicious culinary adventure on the lommoY challenge, and every day is definitely not candy and roses in a marriage. So when you go through Day #6, or #17 or even #29, you must ask Him (big "H") to remind you of your commitment. Ask Him to remind you how much you loved your spouse at the wedding, or two years ago, or last week. Ask Him to remind you how often He (big "H" again) puts up with you and your selfish behavior. And, most of all, ask Him to remind you of GRACE. I firmly believe it is a daily requirement in life, and especially in marriage.
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