Day Thirty:
“…This is my beloved, and this is my friend…” Song of Solomon 5:16b
Friends can be completely honest with each other, but friendships are strained when
truth is not spoken in love. How are you speaking to your beloved? Are you so “used” to
him that you don’t appreciate the wonder of his friendship? That is your challenge today.
Is your sweetheart your best friend? Does he know this? Have you told him, or do you
assume he “just knows”?
Friendship is something that is cultivated through the good times and the bad. Friends
can share their hearts, but they don’t step on each other’s hearts.
The way to have and be a good friend is to cultivate and celebrate the relationship. As
you end this “30-Day Encouragement Challenge,” celebrate your friendship with your
husband. Get alone and reflect on your beloved friend. Write him a letter, listing the
qualities you admire and appreciate about him. If you are creative with words, write and
frame a poem about him.
Perhaps you can prepare a special meal, just for the two of you, and read the letter or
poem to him. Ask if you can pray for him, and if he is willing, thank God for your love
and friendship, asking for His blessing on your home.
Encouragement, as you have seen these past 30 days, is a synonym for love in action.
– Day 30!!!! I’m proud of myself for pushing through, and a little sad that the change wasn’t a day/night transformation. But nonetheless, I press-on It is definitely sewing seeds that you have to spend time cultivating over the next few months. I don’t think I will be writing a poem to celebrate our friendship today. But acknowledging the wonderful-ness of our friendship is key. The part I struggle with is realizing the difference between when I’m sharing my heart and when I’m trampling over his with my words. It is extremely difficult for me to see things from his perspective because our minds just work completely different. Five years ago I would have thought – “in five years this will easy, he’ll know me, I’ll know him…”. What I have learned is that with the ‘knowing’ comes more complexities.
Thank you for following along on my 30-Day journey! It was tough and definitely a challenge for me. I can only hope that you found some truth that you will be able to carry with you to help you love and encourage your husband. I would definitely appreciate your continued prayers :-)