“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

Alternating Insanity

God is amazing.

I thought about just posting my blog with those three words (yeah, I'm tired), but I thought I might get my message across more clearly if I share what particular "amazingness" brought this idea to the front of my harried, tired, distracted head.

As you may have noticed, I haven't been around here much the past week or so. It's been a busy time for me - things on and off the computer have kept me pretty occupied - everything from editing to reading to cleaning to getting the kids ready to start school (this Tuesday!!!!!) has kept me away from blogdom for the most part.

But it has also created a lot of stress, for both myself and my wonderful husband Marc. My sweet, wonderful, active children are pretty excited and bursting with energy. You parents know this can be a very good thing -- or a very bad thing.

Both my husband and I have been in various states of "bonkers" lately: especially over the past couple days. But do you know what the incredibly amazing thing is?

We've never been "certifiable" at the same time. When the kids have been dancing, hard, on my nerves, Marc has been in control. When Marc has been inches from drop kicking them out the window, I have been the calming (relatively, anyway) influence. And sometimes, the "switcheroo" has happened within minutes. And it's a good thing, too. I can't even fathom what might have happened to those kids if they'd had parents who were both insane at the same time.

Since the beginning of time as we know it, God has planned for this type of "checks and balances" in the family. Way back in the second chapter of Genesis (can't get much earlier in the history of humanity), the Lord declared that we need that balance.
The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18 NIV
This, of course, is not the only way Marc and I balance each other out. The ways are numerous. He's analytical; I'm not. I'm an encourager; he craves encouragement. I'm distractible; he's amazing at getting me back on task. And more. And every single one of them is orchestrated by God. And yesterday, by helping Marc and I alternate our insanity, he MAY just have averted quite a catastrophe. Our kids are, in fact still alive ;)

Amazing, isn't it?

Heavenly Father, thank You for orchestrating this balance between my husband and I, and between married couples everywhere. Help us to cherish our differences, and how wonderfully you have fit the puzzles of our lives together. Help me to appreciate, rather than bristle against, those differences so I can glorify my husband and You. Thank You for making this wonderful combination we call marriage. In the precious name of Your Son I pray. Amen.

Oh - and note for the curious - my new goals for September are up on my sidebar :)

6 comments:

  1. Beautiful, Jo. I love where you took this message. I thought it was going to be about patience, but instead it was about the blessing of a Godly marriage. Well, it was about both at the same time. You ministered to me.

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  2. LoL--Boy, can I EVER relate!! That's how it is in our house too, and thankfully we still have all five kids around to testify to God's goodness!! (and trust me, there have been some DOOZIES of days!! *shiver*)

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  3. I am so glad we are past these years! I'll cheer you on. How about that? Always cheering for you, Jo-dear!

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  4. I'd be completely lost without my man. He's my balance. Actually, he's my anchor. I'm thankful for the grace that allowed me his love.

    Here's hoping this week settles more quickly into routine!

    peace~elaine

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