I’m very excited to be introducing you to Erica from Let Why Lead! She has written a beautiful post about marriage that I think you all will LOVE! I know I could definitely relate when I read it! You can learn a bit more about Erica and where to find her on the web at the bottom of this post!
I wind along the two-lane highway that leads to my home. As it always is at this time of day, the road is densely shaded. But with the sun low behind the trees directly in front of me, every now and then I am blinded when—for a spit-second—there is no tree to block the sun’s brilliance.
Those moments of startling brightness are few and far between here along the 92, but they are painful enough to keep me squinting for the rest of the drive. I don’t trust the shade.
I go through periods where my marriage is like the shade. I could be comfortable—blissful—in the shade if I didn’t waste energy wondering when the next second of blinding sun will hit. You experience those moments too, right? An argument that comes out of nowhere or a word that hurt when no one even meant it to. So instead I keep squinting. I protect myself by maintaining a sliver of distance between myself and my husband. It’s a sliver—so small that he probably doesn’t even notice it. In fact, most of the time, I don’t notice it. After all, you can get used to squinting.
But when I’m honest with myself, I wonder how much joy I’m missing in the name of sheltering myself from those fleeting moments of blindedness. How much more fulfilled would I feel if I could just focus on how great it is in the shade.
So today, with a few minutes left on my drive home, I open my eyes wide. I roll down the windows and embrace the cool comfort of the deep shade. It’s worth the risk.
Erica Nielsen blogs at Let Why Lead, a place for the purposeful wife and mom. For regular reminders of the whys of your life, stop by the blog or visit her on facebook.
Pamela says
Our marriages are worth fighting for–even if it’s just a squint. I love how you’ve explained this–so simple, yet so profound. I prayed God would bless this post and speak to hearts as they lead.
hsmominmo says
A wonderful illustration – marriage is made up of times of shade and times of squinting – and yes, it is worth it!
(stopping by from Titus 2sday)
Ashley Ditto says
I love Erica, and her heart and writing is so beautiful. Well done, love this so much.
Renee @ Great Peace says
Really great analogy!
Bina says
You put into such simply beautiful words the endless battle that I wage within myself. Forgetting to lean on Him…trusting the God in my husband even when I am unsure of what is happening…and pulling inward. Loved this – you made me cry :)
Rachel Thueson says
Beautifully written! I can totally relate. I find myself hanging on to the smallest little things for days and being grumpy with my husband…all for nothing. So silly. Marriage and our relationships in general are so much more important than letting that little wedge get driven in between us. Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie E. says
Such wise words. Thank you for linking up to the Inspired Wednesdays Blog Hop.
Cheri Williams says
Touching words! Thanks for the thoughtful expression!
Mary A says
Such a sweet reminder:)
Beth says
Focusing on the positive is such an important part of life. It truly helps when I’m feeling irritated with my spouse or other parts of life, Erica. Thanks so much for this beautiful way of reminding us and thanks to you, Paula, for sharing her story with all of us!
Lori @ Encourage Your Spouse says
That idea of a “sliver” of distance between husband and wife caught me – maybe we’re all due for a little introspection on that concept. I imagine that distance, even a tiny one – doesn’t always serve us well. Thanks for the thought to ponder!
Laura says
Such a sweet post, Erica. Yes…let’s open our hearts wide to each other and love fully. This is where joy lives.
Laura says
Yes, worth the risk! Love this post. I’m clicking on over to Erica’s place! Stopping by from Playdates. Nice to “meet” you!
Esther Irish (@LaughWithUsBlog) says
I often remind myself to count my blessings!