His banner over me is love

We signed for a new house yesterday.  It's beautiful, gives us the space for our family of 6, and is everything we want.  Except a pool.  There is a pond next door, and possibly a dry creek behind us.  Upon talking to a friend she recounted a story of a friend who's granddaughter drowned at 3.  We do have 2 littles, at 4 and 1, and I'm believing this is God's protection.  It's also a provision, we really couldn't afford the upkeep of a pool in these next 2 years of paying off our trade school and increasing our income.  I'd go further to say, the kids will be encouraged to explore and make friends with neighbors without all the entertainment at their back door- though a dip to cool off after some good work would have been appreciated.  We'll figure something out.  Provisions: God will provide.  

This house-hunting and income transition has been a great time for me: my husband and I have discussed a lot of things and so our communication and the respect we show each other has been high.  I love dreaming with him.  God made us different in the way that he sees things, and is a math brain.  I am more of a risk-taker and need a challenge to motivate me at times.  We both see beauty in much the same way, we're pretty functional- minded and not overly extravagant.  There's not usually much disagreement on picking out things like a house, decor, and the things that are valuable: we enjoy considering what will work for us together.

 I have been digging into real estate and see this as a great opportunity to start our property business.  He's been nervous about that, but because I have a business, managing, administrative mind, he trusts us to enter this new venture by renting out our first home.  If the math didn't work, we'd put our heads together to figure out what needed to be adjusted.  Without me, he'd get stuck on the math and the answer would be "no".  With me, we accomplish those things that take more faith and extra work.  Does that mean he doesn't have faith?  Not at all, he will put the work in and be the rock grounded in Christ.  Scriptures will come forth as he studies God's word and he'll share it with me and the kids as he gets confirmation, and he will be out there making it happen.  I can let emotions start to get a hold of me, and have to cast out doubts.  Though I am responsible for doing this myself, God gave me a helper in him.  This doesn't take away the importance of my own studying, and I often share how God has encouraged me as well.  You can't live on your husband's relationship with God.  Most are not quick to share that intimacy.

I love to jump in on the work wherever I can, and will  pick up a hammer, paint brush, shovel or rake in my work overalls.  And later I'll get cleaned up, make a good meal for us to share, and cuddle with him, praise him, and dream some more.  He's gentle and generous to instruct me, and does not expect me to do equal work.  It's a beautiful and amazing thing when I don't get twisted up and think that he really ought to take my position, somehow keep his, and continue to provide for the family, and I should be able to.... What?  Make sure my nails stay painted?! 

My subjection to my husband is not rooted in the superiority of the male over the female.  God is not setting up one gender to be superior to the other.  It is only in the context of a marriage union that a woman is to be in subjection to her man.  It is her God-appointed office that renders her second in command in the family.  It would be only out of jealousy, pride, and defiance that I would want to usurp the man God gave me to honor.  Just as Lucifer lost his heavenly position for such swellings of self-seeking indulgence, so I will experience hell in my marriage if I intend to disregard God's ways.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and then 8-13 and consider this admonition: "Love is patient and kind. It is not jealous, boastful, proud, rude, self seeking, easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails."  It is time to quit thinking and reasoning like a child, our purpose is not our own, but to edify each other in marriage.  We don't have to have complete understanding of God's directions, only follow them to experience the blessings.  Verses 9-12 could very easily refer to the mystery of a marriage.  Verse 13 could be read, "Keep these three, for they cannot be taken from you: faith, hope, and love.  You will receive the greatest reward for how you continue to pour out love as you hold onto your faith and hope."

Faith, hope and love: You can let go, but it can't be taken from you.  What God has joined, let no man separate (Matthew 19:6).  You can let go, but your marriage can't be taken from you when you're faithful. His banner over me is love.