marriage

Helping Relationships: Reflection Paper- Part 2

Posted on February 20, 2024. Filed under: CCEF, Helping Relationships, marriage, Reflection Paper |

Have you heard the story attributed to Ernest Hemingway, when at lunch with other writers that he boasted he could write a novel in six words? He bet that he could, then penned, “For sale, baby shoes, never worn.” This story is understood to be an urban myth rather than a true account, but it has inspired writers and teachers to pick up the challenge! Think about what is most important to you. What is a key feature of your faith, life or character, or what you desire to achieve? This is challenging, but we are looking for creativity here! Here are a few examples that I could write and expand upon:
“Loving God and others, a blessing.”
“Music opens my heart and eyes.”
“Faithful to the end; can I?”
“Let me ask before I speak.”
Describe yourself in 6 words that tell the story of you. Expand this into a longer story that gives an explanation for each (1 page total). Then, describe someone else using the same method. Also, include an explanation. (1 page total) Consider sending the person who blessed you a thank you note.

I am describing my husband (with his permission)

Open honest pessimist that loves Jesus

My husband is a very open honest guy. I really do love that about him. He is willing to share his struggles, he tells you what he thinks, and unlike me, he does not struggle with people’s approval. However, he is also a pessimist! Despite being married to a forever optimist, he still seems to always see the glass half empty. We often joke that Jon always sees the grass as greener somewhere else. For example, I see Jon do this with how much or how little he works. If he isn’t working a ton, he starts wishing he had more work. He sometimes worries about the money part of that etc. If he is working a lot, he wishes he had more time off and time to himself (even though he is probably doing better money wise at the moment). We talk a lot about being content, and I really do see God working in his heart in that area. That leads me to the next point; Jon loves Jesus. I have seen Jesus grow and stretch him over our years of marriage in numerous ways. It is a gift for me to see him follow Jesus down the path of trust and obedience. Sometimes it takes a while, because Jon hates change, but what more beautiful thing can a wife ask for than to see her husband trusting Jesus with difficult things and praying for a renewed, softened heart? My prayer is that he continues to see the hope of Jesus- even through his lens of pessimism/realism. I want him to know Jesus deeper, and keep falling more and more in love with him as his relationship with Christ grows.