Happy Thanksgiving! It would be easy to focus on things we’re thankful for in our marriage and spouse, and that’s true. I pray that’s a goal for us year round. However I feel a little God nudge asking me to write about this topic. When I write something, let me just confess it often feels like a letter to myself. So please don’t think I’m talking about you. I know it’s a work that has to start with me!
What usually comes with the turkey, the cranberry sauce, the stuffing and pie? Talk. A lot of family talk. Sure there’s chatter about the parade, the football, the delicious smells. But deep down, there is another type of talk that isn’t limited to competitive sports.
Trash talk.
For me, I feel uncomfortable around silence. If it’s quiet I need to act fast, so I think. I come up with something, and it’s usually designed to garner laughs. Add the element of being around family and it’s easy for the talk to turn trashy—towards your spouse and possibly his family.
He ran to the store to get the marhmallows, but got the big ones, not the mini marshmallows. A bunch of your sisters snicker. He bought you a dishwasher for your birthday when you were hoping for diamonds. He…he…he. In a matter of minutes the talk is negative and the giggles are literally “hee hee”. Your husband now is the turkey around the table.
I believe on a day where blessing and thankfulness take center stage, the devil (defeated one) is going to be extra desperate to divide. Gossip, unmet expectations and having something someone to talk about are sly ways we fall for his tricks.
I pray this message reaches our hearts before the cranberry sauce jiggles in rhythm to our moving mouth. If not, take heart. We serve a God of grace and do overs. If you find yourself in the middle of trash talking your man (or anyone), stop. Excuse yourself if you have to and ask God for forgiveness. Ask Him for the strength to turn the words around and be a blessing instead of a curse. Then act on it. Praise your husband in front of the family. Let everyone know how thankful you are for him.
Even if he got the wrong marshmallows for the sweet potatoes, he’s still a wonderful man to be thankful for!
photo courtesy Photobucket
This is an excellent article, Julie! So spot on and so encouraging for our men. I want to be someone who builds my husband up.
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