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Communication Marriage Physical Intimacy Spiritual Intimacy

4 Ways to Wear Love in Marriage

The word “love” is so misused today that it has lost it true meaning.
Even in marriages, sometimes couples use the word “love” in a casual manner. It is important to consider what love actually means and how we show love in marriage God’s way. The love that God desires in marriage is seen in Colossians 3:14, where it says “the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us together in perfect harmony.” We are to put love on as a daily garment in our marriage. But what does it mean to “put on love and to wear it on purpose?”
Reading the Message version of Ephesians 5:1-2 has taught me about how to love Christ’s way. Here is what it says: “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.”
In marriage, I’ve learned a very important lesson about putting on love with my husband. When I limit love to just an emotion, my love for him becomes a love that is unsteady and changeable. In light of Ephesians 5:1-2, when I put on my love and wear it daily, my love for my husband takes on a lifelong pursuit of following Jesus’ example of extravagant, selfless, and intimate love.
To wear love well, here are 4 ways that I have learned to love my husband:

  1. Saying “I love you” daily. Don’t take for granted that your spouse knows that you love them. Regularly taking the time to tell your husband or wife these three words will show them how much you love and adore them. Hold hands and hug regularly. Give public praise and brag on them in front of others shows that you love and respect them.
  2. Choose to serve and make sacrifices for your spouse. Honor your spouse by going to see a movie or visiting a restaurant that they prefer. Serve them breakfast in bed or do a chore that they would normally do to express your love and appreciation for them.
  3. Write a love letter. A handwritten love letter expressing your love out of the blue can open up wells of intimacy and pursuit in your relationship.
  4. Listen well. Making eye contact, while being compassionate and empathetic, communicates that you love and care about your husband or wife’s well being.

These 4 ways are only a starting point. Think creatively for your marriage to find ways to wear your love daily. Wearing love daily, like how Jesus loves us, is a complete game changer for marriage. Try it…it works!
 

Categories
Home Marriage Parenting

The 7 Words Every Pregnant Wife Needs to Hear from Her Husband

Pregnant Woman And Husband Having Breakfast In Kitchen

 
Children are a true blessing from the Lord, and bring so much joy to your lives. But, the process by which they come into the World is nothing short of God’s grace and mercy. The journey of pregnancy is different for every expecting mom, and having the support of family and friends means the World to them. We learned so much during our first pregnancy that our second one has gone by so quickly with the amount of fun we’ve been having. One thing I learned in particular was the words my wife needs to hear in order to reassure her during the journey of bringing a tiny human into this World.
 
 
1. I LOVE everything about you.
The one thing you can count on during pregnancy is a lot of change. Change in schedules, change in pace of life, and also change in your wife’s body. It is during this time that she needs to hear you say and be reassured that you love everything about her. I had to train myself to tell my wife everyday that I loved everything about her.
2. You are so BEAUTIFUL to me.
There will be times when your wife just doesn’t feel or look like herself. She will need to hear the word beautiful from your mouth so she can believe it for herself. Pregnancy is very beautiful, but for women it can make them feel the total opposite.
3. I am GRATEFUL for everything you do for our family.
The downfall of pregnancy is you will see your wife make faces, different types of noises, and possibly get called some hurtful names. But, the thing is you can’t feel her pain or the discomfort she is going through. This is when you must remind her how grateful you are for her and all she is doing to bring your children into this world. The spirit of gratitude has a way to make challenging times worth it.
4. How can I HELP you?
You will need to ask her this everyday especially going into the 3rd trimester. She will be very limited in her mobility and the most simple of tasks will now become challenging for her. She needs to know that you are there to help her which speaks LOUDER than any others words you may say.
5. Lets PRAY together.
I’ve learned there are some things I just can’t do for my wife that only God can. When we take time to pray together it really does help us to come back to the central purpose of why we are doing what we do. It helps us to connect with the baby that is brewing in the oven. But, most importantly we put our trust in God to continue to help us in areas we can’t help ourselves. Prayer is a POWERFUL tool that you has the husband need to make sure you’re making time for each day.
6. Do you need a MASSAGE?
This right here is the golden ticket to glory. If I had a penny for every time my wife mentioned how much her feet, back, and every other body part hurt then I would be a rich man. This is your indicator to offer up a massage to her.
7. I will COOK dinner.
Now, if you don’t know how to cook then this is a great time to learn. I guarantee the amount of brownie points you get when you offer to cook dinner and CLEAN up after yourself is ridiculous. Remember she is only pregnant for 9 months, so this season won’t last forever. Challenge yourself out of your norm and ask the Lord for grace to help you do something different. Serving your wife in this way shows a tremendous sign of support, concern, and understanding of what she is going through.
Pregnancy is such an amazing journey and it’s all worth it when your bundle of joy comes into this world. At times your wife will feel alone with carrying your child, but it’s then that you much assist her so she knows that it’s a team effort.  This will make the pregnancy much more enjoyable for her and yourself. You got this!
 

Categories
Marriage

What I Learned From a 70 Year Marriage

Paar Senioren pustet gemeinsam auf eine Pusteblume im Sommer

When you think marriage what’s the first word that comes to mind? I believe it’s safe to say for many the word “hard” would be their first thought. Today’s startling statistics related to divorce would certainly support the fact that marriage has been hard for many couples. No statistic is needed to see that there are few positive examples of long-lasting marriages anymore. I’ve never actually seen one for myself until recently.
Last month I had a refreshing conversation with a couple who are approaching their 70th year wedding anniversary this coming Christmas. Mr. Lawrence McElvaine still has his Christmas present since 1946, his lovely wife Mrs. Rosie McElvaine. The couple met in church when they were just teenagers at 14 and 15 years old, now both approaching 90 years old, they are still able to laugh and joke around together. When asked, does the romance have to die?” Their daughter quickly interjected, “NO, they are still lovie dovie.”  
Technically still being a newlywed myself, I was excited to pry and figure out their secret sauce. How is it that this couple is still able to stay together and have fun after 70 years, when couples are getting divorced every 10 to 13 seconds (by the time you finish reading this post, at least 10 couples have divorced)? I was expecting some deep and surprising answers as I inquired about their journey but the McElvaines responses were quite simple, yet profound. What I learned was that:
1.Marriage doesn’t have to be hard: The ingredients for a successful marriage is simply two compatible people. “Marriage isn’t hard, the hardest part is finding the right person to marry,” Mr. McElvaine said. Simple but it makes a lot of sense, right? Of course there will be challenges but if you’re with the right person you’ll be able to get through them. Divorce was never a thought for the McElvaines. Even through the hardest season of their marriage, Rosie spent her time in prayer. She didn’t complain or contemplate divorce but she cast her cares on the Lord.
I don’t believe society today takes marriage as serious as it really is. Are we thinking through the decision on who we marry as thoroughly as we should? Or do most ignore the red flags? Do we take into account the consequences of what being unequally yoked with someone would really be like?
2.God’s way still works. As much as I love the idea of change, growth, and individualism, God’s design for marriage is key to a successful marriage. The McElvaine’s may appear traditional to some but the truth is that they simply followed God’s order. Seeing that God’s word is eternal they couldn’t go wrong. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Both Lawrence and Rosie served their homes in the way God recommends through scripture. Lawrence was proud to say he was able to financially provide and support his home and family. His wife Rosie enjoyed being a stay-at-home wife and mother. She managed the home and sought after their needs. Rosie reminded me in many ways of the Proverbs 31 woman. She loves God, is praised by her husband and children and she managed her home successfully.
3. Have fun. The overall theme throughout my interview with the McElvaines was to have fun. There were several times Mr. McElvaine would say, “we had fun together.”
 
After leaving their home I had an enlightened perspective of marriage as a ministry. I was encouraged and motivated to serve my family, plus have more fun with my husband.

Categories
Marriage Spiritual Intimacy

The DNA of a Husband's Leadership

Few Scriptures have provoked more push-back from the world like Ephesians 5:22 which says, “Wives, submit to your husbands.” If you want to stir “a woman scorned” to an hour long tirade, mention this verse. If you want to send forth a rallying cry to manipulators and controllers, to rend marriage into madness, mention this verse.
Many have abused this principle and oppressed the woman’s role in marriage, which has had some horrific ramifications. I have seen husbands use this verse to control their wives, by attaching a “thus saith the Lord” prefix to whatever carnal desires are swirling around in their misguided heads.
Why, oh why does Paul even mention this? If it could potentially do so much damage, cause so much division, and stir so much confusion, what is the problem? This is actually a very beautiful verse. Context, friends, context. After charging the church to “submit to one another,” Paul specifically mentions wives to submit to their husbands. Why? Because he is talking to Christian husbands who will lead and love their wives, as Christ led and loved the Church; it is a two-way street of a wife agreeing to step into her husband’s covering, while the husband, in turn, agrees to cover. I didn’t say smother, and neither did Paul.
Let me clear up some misconceptions about a husband’s leadership.
Ephesians 5 describes a Jesus Who loves and sanctifies His own bride. Paul then relates loving one’s wife to loving one’s own body: nourish, protect, cherish. (Eph. 5:29)
1. Nourish. To nourish means “to nurture to growth.” What would happen if husbands worldwide intentionally fostered spiritual and emotional growth in their wives? Husbands should be incubators for their wives to flourish to be all that God designed them to be! God created a husband’s leadership to bring life. Newsflash: wives have a destiny in Christ, too. Husbands, champion your wife’s growth in Christ, and her purpose in the Kingdom!
2.  Protect. The Latin prefix “pro” means “toward,” while “tect” means cover. As we naturally protect (cover toward) our heads when a book falls off the shelf, I hope I have the same reflexive action to cover my wife when she’s in harm’s way. I experienced this a few years ago when someone verbally attacked my wife in my presence. I felt righteous anger rise up in me and I physically stood up, in front of my wife, and said, “Enough.” Funny how my instinct was to stand in front of her, because my intent was to shield her from danger. Husbands’ leadership in front is to shield their wives and children from oncoming attacks.
3. Cherish. When you cherish someone, you see that person as a precious, priceless treasure. Christ cherished and valued His Bride enough to pour out His blood on her behalf. Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus “for the prize set before Him” suffered and died on that cross. You were that prize. I was that prize. A husband’s leadership role in his marriage calls him to cherish, value, treasure, adore his wife over all others.
The abuse of Scripture grieves me, but this one especially. What was always intended to be living, vibrant portrait of joyous marriage has been undermined and misapplied. Yes, Paul tells wives to submit to their husbands, but husbands also better be submitted (Eph. 5:21,23). If a man looks at this verse and sees permission for manipulation and emotional and/or spiritual abuse, he is blind and deceived. But nourishing, protecting, and cherishing? That’s a husband that wives want to stand beside.

Categories
Finances

How Lebron James Became a Mogul

Close-up of a hand of basketball player holding a ball against black background.
by Joy Harris
There was a lot of talk this playoff season about whether or not LeBron James would actually get Cleveland a ring. While the debate is interesting, his role as a businessman was even more interesting to me, in part, because not all ball players get to this level.
Sure, they have tons or talent and want to run successful businesses, but for some reason they never break through the glass ceiling.
What made LeBron James different?
He focused on and continues to focus on his dimes.
Dimes are what you need to collect in order to achieve your dollar (your next level). Dimes seem minor, but they contribute to your end goal. If you master them, the dimes get you the bigger opportunities.
LeBron James worked hard in high school.  Now that he’s in the NBA, look what he’s doing on his days off (see youtube clip below 19:42-22:36):
https://youtu.be/wQWmRIHavC8
LeBron practiced practicing when he was in high school.  This dime, which is now a habit, elevated him to the land of business.
The same thing applies to you.  You may feel stuck, and want to get to the next level by any means necessary.  You may be frustrated at the fact that you’re over 25, and still working at a job you’re not passionate about, instead of being a mogul.
You’re focusing on learning about, mastering and launching a business; but so much focus on the end is causing you to overlook your dimes.  Your dimes are the things you need to work on now in order to open the door for the business life you want.
So if LeBron’s dime is foul shots, what’s your dime?
What do you know to do?
Have you been putting off making a schedule?
Have your exercise goals been all talk?
Have you paid off your credit card?
Have you figured out how to give quality time to your spouse, children, and your business?
These small behavior changes don’t seem like keys to your business, but they build the knowledge, discipline and consistency you need.
 
Dr. Dennis Kimbro did a study analyzing the traits successful people had in common.
He found that consistent practice was a major factor to their success.  More importantly, they developed and built this character trait long before they became famous.
Once you master the little things, including your finances and family, you can use them to propel you forward in other areas.
Look at this commercial:
https://youtu.be/apXXysLDW5I
It’s true, your successful business and amazing life is the sum of mastering your dimes.

Categories
Single

The Problem With Situationships

You’re seeing this person, you’re not in a relationship, but you do relationship things. Your heart is attached, but there is no commitment.  You dream of a future but they constantly remind you, there is none. WHY, oh Why do you do this to yourself?
 
As for me, my situationship brought forth comfort. If I couldn’t be in a relationship, why not be in a pretend relationship? Why not get a free meal, free cuddle time, and enjoy the company of another. It was harmless, or so I thought. It wasn’t until my heart was fully invested that I realized the harm this “situationship” was about to present. What started as lots of fun, ended in tears and heartache.
 
I thought I could eventually win his heart, making him love me the way I loved him. That was, until he made it extremely clear that he would leave me if his dream girl crossed his path. I wish someone had shared with me the one simple, yet HUGE, problem with “situationships”.
 
So, what’s the problem? Truth be told, “situationships” are mirages, they are counterfeit experiences and will ultimately cause more problems! It’s presented as the ultimate prize, when it’s intrinsic value doesn’t even come close!
 
I’ll never forget being in a service and the preacher said, the enemy waits for an opportune time, just like he did Jesus. Remember after Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, the devil attempted to present Jesus with what appeared to be all of earth’s kingdoms. In exchange, all he had to do was bow down to the devil. Of course Jesus sent him on his way.
 
Unlike Jesus, those of us who find ourselves in “situationships” give in to the temptation. We’ll settle for what’s being offered to us, with no consideration of the future. Though Jesus was tempted, he stayed the course, resulting in him fulfilling his purpose and being worshiped by all nations, (psalms 66:4); the very thing the enemy promised. Truth is, the enemy knows our future and does his best to hinder us from reaching it. He knew who Jesus would be to all the earth and TRIED to deter him from it. Yep he tried it, and if he tried it with Jesus, he’ll try it with you!
 
Don’t give up the real for the mirage aka a “situationship”. Your future and those attached to your obedience depends on your ability to move beyond what the enemy presents. Be encouraged, and remember nothing fake can ever produce anything real. Wait on the real deal! Know if you are being presented with the mirage, the real thing MUST BE AMAZING and then some!!!!!

Categories
Single

5 Types of Women Not Ready For Marriage

by Kay King
When we’re young we read about Prince Charming coming and sweeping the Princess off her feet and riding off on a horse to their “happily ever after”. It’s like it’s embedded in our heads. We grow up thinking that’s how it’ll be until all of sudden, we learn that it’s just a fairy tale, a story.
As I was sitting and thinking about my own Prince Charming and talking with God and asking him when he’s going to come, the Lord showed me myself. How many times do we think to ourselves, this is the type of man I want. Or when you see a man displaying characteristics that are ones you want in your husband, you say Lord send me someone like that. We spend more time talking about what kind of man we want versus what kind of woman we are.
If the saying “you attract what you are” is even a tad bit true, then it makes you think, am I worthy of the man I’m waiting for? See it’s unfair to expect so much from him and place less expectations on ourselves.
So when God showed me myself, I started writing down the things I’d seen. It made me think, am I the type of woman someone is looking for. Through this personal analysis of myself came my next blog.
Here’s my list of 5 types of women who are not ready for marriage:

1. THE INSECURE WOMAN

Now while we all deal with insecurities, there are some women who are driven by theirs. Meaning, they are always talking about themselves in a negative manner or fishing for compliments to help boost their self esteem. The insecure woman usually is overly flirtatious and wants to be the center of attention. She depends on reactions from others.
As women, we should never go into a marriage expecting to get our self worth from our husband. It is God who has set our worth and it is our husbands who uphold that standard. Relying on your spouse to set your self worth be a dangerous game,  they are there to affirm but our worth was never to meant to be set by them.

2. THE CONFUSED WOMAN

Of course, we don’t always have everything figured out but you should at least know if you want to be in a committed relationship or know if you want to get married. We all know the bible tells us confusion is not of the Lord, so why is it that one day we say we want to get married and then two weeks later, we’ve changed our minds. This could be the reason you’re single. You have no resolve about your future. 
What man wants to put his all into a relationship, he isn’t sure is going anywhere? Why should he put himself out there and pursue you, if he you’re unsure if you even want to be in a relationship? Remember healthy relationships are marked by peace, not by doubt and fear. 

3. THE CONTROLLING WOMAN

This is the woman, who wants to take on the lead role and wants to be control of everything. In other words, she wants to wear the pants in the relationship. I don’t know if you know this or not but God didn’t intend two men to be in a relationship together. He also didn’t design women to be the head. (1 Corinthians 11) So if you’re the type of woman who always has an opinion about how he dresses, how he eats, how he speaks and who he’s friends with, then you may find yourself single a little bit longer. No man wants a control freak.
After all, you’re not his mama, he has already left the nest and raising a man is NOT your job. So stop trying to control everything about him.

4. THE CLINGY WOMAN

This is the woman, who makes the relationship the center of her universe. Everything she does is based on this relationship. She has no friends outside of this relationship, she has no interest or activities outside of the relationship. She just wants to be around the one she’s married to 24/7. She hangs out with his friends, she’s always tagging along for the boys night out. Now don’t get me wrong, we all know relationships go through that honey moon stage, however, being too clingy can be unhealthy for both parties involved. Ladies, let me give you some advice, get a life.
No man is going to be able to spend every minute of every day with you. I mean how can he miss you, if you’re always around. You need time a part, he needs guy time and you need girl time. So get yourself a hobby or friends of your own.

5. THE ANGRY WOMAN

Let it go. Why are you always mad at your family, at your friends, at society? Always arguing with your co-workers. I mean, you’re just mad at life. Nothing makes you happy. You’re always into some drama and it’s always someone else’s fault. 
Men don’t want to be with an angry woman. Listen, as men, they already face so much out in the world. They don’t want to come home to your drama too. And no, I’m not saying you have to hide your feelings, however, you do need to know how to bring your emotions under subjection and not let them rule you. Men are strong, but I don’t know any man that is strong enough to take on a angry woman. There will always be a lack of communication and there’s always going to be the blame game.  Proverbs 21:19 It’s better to live alone in the desert, than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.
Now I know none of you who are reading this is any of these women… right? LOL
While I know I won’t ever be perfect, I know there are still areas in which I can improve. God wouldn’t have wanted me to look inward if that were not the case. So instead of focusing  on getting married, I’m going to focus on myself. I’m going to continue to build my empire, my ministry and allow God to mold me into a suitable wife. 
I would hate to ask God to send me the one and when He arrived, not be ready.
 

Categories
Dating/Courting Engaged Home Marriage

2 Reasons Why Loving Someone is Hard, But Worth It

Black couple sitting on couch smiling

The great Nelson Mandela stated in one of his most noteworthy quotes, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.
Just because a person has the capacity to love doesn’t mean they have been taught how to do it. It’s very sad to see the rise of dysfunction and unhealthiness in relationships. The reason may very well be that many have not been taught how to love, to adequately love a person the way they deserve. Or, it could be simply that love is hard.
Then that brings us to the question, “What does love look like to you?” In what ways do you express love to others, and in what ways do you receive love. For me, love at its highest state, is expressed through relentless commitment.
Considering God is love, the one promise I know I can depend on is that He will never leave me for He is faithfully committed to me because he loves me. Now granted there are many other ways for love to be expressed from giving, physical intimacy, quality time spent, and many more.
And, that I believe is what makes love so challenging.
That we all give and receive love differently. I would like to present 2 reasons why I believe love is hard, but worth it.
1. It reveals your flaws.
No one wants to accept that they have issues. Even in job interviews one of the most popular questions is, “What are your strengths and weaknesses”? It never fails that we make our weaknesses still sound like strengths. Its just a challenge to be honest about our flaws. Well, this is one thing that makes love hard is that it reveals where we are lacking. My wife, who knows me better than anyone, has seen me at my best and my worse. Through the journey of loving her, she has also has seen a lot of my flaws. When you learn to accept someone for their flaws is when love becomes worth it.
2. It requires all of you.
When you came out of your mother’s womb the first thing you did was cry. That cry is because you are kick starting lungs because you need air, but you also are crying for food from your mom. This shows that our first initial reaction to this life is wanting from others. But, as you mature you will learn that love requires you to give of yourself to others. To turn off your wants and put your significant other before yourself. This becomes beautiful when two people both make it their highest goal to put the other before themselves. This is when love becomes a joy versus a burden.
Yes, love is hard, but when you begin to allow your significant other into the places no one else has access to which is your flaws, then the level of trust will cause the love to explode between you.

Categories
Single

5 Things I Miss About My Pre-Wife and Pre-Mommy Days

Mother enjoying a rest
Let me just begin this article by clarifying and letting it be known, that there is no desire in me to be single again or to not have children. I am so grateful for the single-season I had and all God accomplished through me, as well as my months before we had our first child. It allowed my husband I to grow and be more in love. I am sharing this post to let the mommies and the wives, who are currently in this position, know they are not alone and for those waiting for a mate or even children to enjoy where they are. God has great plans for all of us, it is just important to enjoy them while we can and not take each season for granted. However, without further ado here are 1o things I miss about my pre-wife and pre-mommy days.
1.  Sleep– Especially with the children.  In my single days I thought I would fall apart if I got less than 6 to 7 hours a night, well something magical happens when you become a mom, you literally have to keep going. If I had a way to conserve sleep in my single days I would have.
2. Space– As singles we all cry for someone to share a bed with, as a married person sometimes all you want is some space (unless your love language is touch). Enjoy your bed. I know it may feel cold some nights, but at least you can sleep sprayed out if you want. When the children are added to your bed space, you will literally be sleeping in a pile or on the edge.
3. Quality Grooming Time– Honestly, if I could just get ten minutes to shower, shave or even use the bathroom without some little ones at my door I would be a happy woman. Enjoy your 30-minute bubble baths and 20-minute grooming sessions. The little ones will want to be a part of every routine. As hard as it is, you will see you do not want it any other way.
4. Cooking What I Want- As a single person, I could eat cereal and go to bed. When you have a husband to feed and then children to feed, you have to meal plan and make healthy meals. Singles use this time to create the diet that is beneficial to you, it is easier to diet while single than when you have someone to feed as well as little ones with picky diets.
5. Free Hands For Worship– I am a wild worshiper, I would jump and spin and do all I needed to do. I remember now being single and telling myself: “Go all out, because when the babies come it will be restricted”. Worship and church service time are times where you have to split your attention. The thing I have learned is that worship is not just about hands being raised, but that I worship God every day, as I use my hands in service to my children and my husband.
May you all be blessed in whatever season God has you in, enjoy it, and grow form it.

Categories
Marriage Single

The Journey IS the Destination

High tourist hiker man on the rock peak in rocky mountains
“There’s always going to be another mountain, you’re always going to want to make it move. There’s always going to be an uphill battle, sometimes you’re going to have to lose. It’s not about how fast you get there, and it’s not about what’s waiting on the other side: IT’S THE CLIMB!” It was Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb”. -Miley Cyrus.
In my heart of hearts, I truly believe those are profound words to live by. We’re taught from very early that in order to have a good, happy, and successful life, we must fulfill the “American Dream”.
We’re taught that we must go to school, go to college, get a job, climb the corporate latter, get married, have children, buy a big house, have fancy cars, and accumulate wealth. There’s no problem with accomplishing those life goals, however the dilemma presents itself in how we attain these goals. We never anticipate the obstacles and opposition that will present themselves on our journey.  Instead, we go through life, hastily rushing towards the next major milestone, all the while forfeiting the blessing that is the present.
We give every last ounce of effort in order to ensure we reach our destination year after year. We reach milestone after milestone on the chase to make our dreams come true, only to realize that we’re still unfulfilled, so we set new goals and milestones, and grind even harder than ever before still aiming for the prize. By the time we reach our destination of success, we’re 70 years old, retired, and grandparents and all we can do is sit in our rocking chairs with regrets wondering where did all our time go?
This is why that song is so profound to me. Our lives are made up of moments, and we must cherish every moment God gives us as gift because if we rush it and reach the peak of the mountain too soon in our lives, the only place to go from there is down, and we’ll spend the rest of our life reflecting on that moment rather than making more memorable moments.
Life is NOT all about attaining worldly accolades and success. It’s NOT all about “arriving at your destination”. No matter how many milestones you achieve in this life, you’ll  still feel there’s more you need to accomplish.
Life is not all about hurrying and scurrying through all obstacles and opposition in order to reach your goals. Instead, THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION! In other words, It’s The Climb! Life is about embracing every moment that God gives you. Whether, good, bad, ugly, or downright sad, every situation that God places before is an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop as a person. It is in cherishing these moments that you truly live an abundant life.
After climbing the mountain called life, it’s not just the feeling of being on top of the world that makes that moment so special. Instead, every time you slipped and almost fell, every time you almost died, and all the times you wanted to give in and felt like giving up, all make that moment when you reach the end of your journey so much more special.
To the person who is single: don’t rush through this season of your life and settle for less than you deserve because society makes you feel like you’re cursed for not having a significant other yet.
Married people: don’t rush through your lives, wishing your kids would hurry and grow up so they can move out and kill yourselves trying to “keep up with the Jones’s ”  and miss the very blessings you have right before you.
Embrace your current situation in whatever season you may be facing knowing that God is present with us every step of the way, and every obstacle He chooses to place before us will eventually become a stepping stone to bigger and better things if we embrace the challenge and let His word, His strength, and His spirit guide us through.