Keeping a Record of Rights

Happy Flashback Friday! I was recently going through some old notes and ideas I wrote and ran across a golden nugget that I had to share with y’all today.

One of my favorite scriptures about love is 1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 8 — Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it 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’s a popular wedding ceremony scripture, one my husband and I had read at our wedding. I’ve not honestly modeled in it’s entirety on a consistent basis as much as I would like to (especially when hubby tests my gangsta lol). The love is kind, not boastful, not envious, not dishonorable, doesn’t delight in evil, I think I have a good handle on. But the patience part, well sometimes sis struggles lol. Another one I think some couples may struggle with is keeps no record of wrongs. Have you ever been in an argument and brought up something from the past or turned the tables to another issue that wasn’t even the topic of discussion? Yeah, me too! In my aim to love God, myself and my husband more deeply, I desire to more intentionally model this scripture, which brings me to today’s topic...keeping a record of rights.

Now, let me clarify and be clear — I’m not in any way advocating to completely ignore and never address ‘wrongs’, and I personally don’t believe God is either. I feel it’s important to do our due diligence and use wisdom in speaking our truth and addressing issues/concerns/wrongs. However, it’s easy to take someone or something for granted or have tough times feel tougher, when you only focus on what’s wrong, instead of what’s right, too. For example, using words like you always or you never in the midst of a disagreement is often times false and makes a 1 time error magnified into a made up often occurrence. Thinking of the good more than bad in life in general is one sure way to recognize how much good there actually is.

Some time ago, I came home to the sweetest surprise from my husband...a new back massager and foot massager was waiting for me when I got home. I didn’t ask for it, he just got it because he knew it would be good for me (and him too lol). His thoughtful gift meant so much to me. I decided to create a new photo album in my phone that day called Love Tank, and I stored a picture of the gift there. This album would serve as a reminder of some of the ways my husband fills my love tank. It would also help on days when my love tank might feel low to lift me back up. I’ve since added tons of photos to this album, that include sweet text messages from him, love quotes, date night photos, and more.

I encourage you to begin keeping a record of all the amazing things you’re doing in your life, the blessings God is giving you, and for the married couples, reminders of the love you share with your spouse. Ok y’all, I told you before I’m no marriage expert, but that was really on my heart to share today. Lord knows, what the world needs now is more love!

Let’s chat! Let me know some ways you focus on the pros in your life.

Have a glowing day!

Xo,

Shalyce