Advice #61
ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU
Ralph Sorter
It’s not easy to tell a struggling couple to hang on, for tomorrow will be brighter…but it’s true. Pain often distorts our vision. At the time, all we can see is our current conflict, but if we could step outside ourselves, the perspective has hope.
The encouragement here is to not abandon ship too soon. It’s amazing how many couples delay seeking help until things seem utterly hopeless. The trip to the counselor often is a last resort, but the heart to work on the marriage left long ago. There are some self-help things you can try before you reach that stage.
No amount of strength or artillery will produce lasting changes in someone else. In fact, we cannot change others…we can only change ourselves. Trying to change someone else only results in more friction and resistance.
Use your pain as motivation for your own changes. We don’t make changes unless it’s accompanied by motivation. When we realize it’s just not working the way we are doing things currently, then it’s time to change. Other motivations are: I want a new me. I want something new in our relationship.
Other couples have been there…but I want to be where they are now. There’s a lot to say about endurance and patience that sees you through the difficult times to reap the harvest of a stronger relationship tomorrow. You might not know Gloria and I had some knock-down-drag-outs, but we hung in there…and I wouldn’t trade anything for the relationship we have now.
Unconditional love and a quiet example melts more icebergs than heat does. The love of God melted our cold heart…it can theirs too. If you are low on the reserves…I recommend a trip to the foot of the cross…where the greatest sacrifice of all transformed the worst hearts of history. Let Him fill your cup.
A Message from HOPE’S
Marriage & Family Ministry
ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU
Ralph Sorter
It’s not easy to tell a struggling couple to hang on, for tomorrow will be brighter…but it’s true. Pain often distorts our vision. At the time, all we can see is our current conflict, but if we could step outside ourselves, the perspective has hope.
The encouragement here is to not abandon ship too soon. It’s amazing how many couples delay seeking help until things seem utterly hopeless. The trip to the counselor often is a last resort, but the heart to work on the marriage left long ago. There are some self-help things you can try before you reach that stage.
No amount of strength or artillery will produce lasting changes in someone else. In fact, we cannot change others…we can only change ourselves. Trying to change someone else only results in more friction and resistance.
Use your pain as motivation for your own changes. We don’t make changes unless it’s accompanied by motivation. When we realize it’s just not working the way we are doing things currently, then it’s time to change. Other motivations are: I want a new me. I want something new in our relationship.
Other couples have been there…but I want to be where they are now. There’s a lot to say about endurance and patience that sees you through the difficult times to reap the harvest of a stronger relationship tomorrow. You might not know Gloria and I had some knock-down-drag-outs, but we hung in there…and I wouldn’t trade anything for the relationship we have now.
Unconditional love and a quiet example melts more icebergs than heat does. The love of God melted our cold heart…it can theirs too. If you are low on the reserves…I recommend a trip to the foot of the cross…where the greatest sacrifice of all transformed the worst hearts of history. Let Him fill your cup.
A Message from HOPE’S
Marriage & Family Ministry
ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU
Ralph Sorter
It’s not easy to tell a struggling couple to hang on, for tomorrow will be brighter…but it’s true. Pain often distorts our vision. At the time, all we can see is our current conflict, but if we could step outside ourselves, the perspective has hope.
The encouragement here is to not abandon ship too soon. It’s amazing how many couples delay seeking help until things seem utterly hopeless. The trip to the counselor often is a last resort, but the heart to work on the marriage left long ago. There are some self-help things you can try before you reach that stage.
No amount of strength or artillery will produce lasting changes in someone else. In fact, we cannot change others…we can only change ourselves. Trying to change someone else only results in more friction and resistance.
Use your pain as motivation for your own changes. We don’t make changes unless it’s accompanied by motivation. When we realize it’s just not working the way we are doing things currently, then it’s time to change. Other motivations are: I want a new me. I want something new in our relationship.
Other couples have been there…but I want to be where they are now. There’s a lot to say about endurance and patience that sees you through the difficult times to reap the harvest of a stronger relationship tomorrow. You might not know Gloria and I had some knock-down-drag-outs, but we hung in there…and I wouldn’t trade anything for the relationship we have now.
Unconditional love and a quiet example melts more icebergs than heat does. The love of God melted our cold heart…it can theirs too. If you are low on the reserves…I recommend a trip to the foot of the cross…where the greatest sacrifice of all transformed the worst hearts of history. Let Him fill your cup.