I’m Blocking You!
By Karen Turcotte
I like to talk. And talk, and talk.
Endless ideas pop into my head between four and seven every morning. My mind is like a factory of innovation prior to sunrise.
But idea-sharing with my husband before work can go south in a hurry. And he’s not the only one wanting to block me out.
Neither the kids nor their dad have time to ingest and implement all of mom’s “great ideas” before choking down a breakfast sandwich.
So how do we find a family rhythm that works? I’m learning to change my approach and pursue something other than my standard conversation script.
- Focus on only one or two ideas at a time. Be mindful of the clock.
- Be realistic about expectations.
- Resist becoming defensive. Avoid emotional detours.
- Seek common ground.
- Agree to revisit the conversation.
Have you ever read the Old Testament book of Hosea? It’s a heavy book. God guided Hosea to do hard things for a bride who did not deserve it—and coincidentally, was blocking him out.
God deals with us as individuals with a heart for restoration because He knows us. So it makes sense that we also seek to understand how our spouse best takes part in conversations so we can tailor our approach to them; that way, our relationship remains connected and responsive.
The Good Stuff: Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth. Hosea 6:3
Action Points: Commit to better learn your spouse. Where do they seem down? Where do they seem up? Ask God to increase your awareness and your commitment to lovingly follow through when conversing.
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