A happy, messy home

About two weeks ago...we had yet again another disagreement over the cleanliness of the house.  I get frustrated sometimes because we are on two different playing fields when it comes to being clean.  I grew up with a mom that showed me how to clean...but more importantly how to do it well.  Christian grew up not having to clean much at all, except his room, and even then not how I was taught in the least.

Before we got married this wasn't an issue. I lived in the house, therefore the house was clean, and I was happy.  Then we both live in the house, therefore the house does not stay clean, and I tend to be unhappy.  After many disagreements about this issue, we have both had to change our view and behavior to fit each other more perfectly.  Then, one morning I was sitting at work...and God was reminding me of all the wonderful things Christian does do for our family, and all the unmeasurable help he has been to me since we've met.  Christian really did help set me free from so many things in my life. And  then it came it me.

I much rather live in a messy home with Christian, than a spotless one alone.  BY FAR.  I find myself so frustrated over things that are so unimportant-and yes, having no dust on the floor in comparison is unimportant-and that is one of the very creative ways I believe that the enemy causes division in marriage, and relationships in general. 

My mom always quotes, "it's the little foxes that spoil the vines." Referring to Song of Solomon 2:15, " Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom."  He puts thoughts into our heads, and we begin to focus on what we are unhappy about, what's not perfect, what we wish was, and what we don't have.  They are meaningless little nothings, that can turn into horrible arguments, that can then cause bitterness and resentment. 

I want to be a wife that appreciates my husband, despite his flaws.  I want to encourage, uplift, and refresh him.  I don't want to be the nag that the Bible speaks of, where it would be better to live on the roof than in the house with her.

No, everyday I want to make true the statement, "The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD." Proverbs 18:22  I believe  more intensely and fully now-then I could even try to comprehend before marriage- that God uses marriage for a purpose-one being, to mold us into who God created us to be. THAT means, that even though being clean is not a bad thing, being so clean that a house can not be lived in, is. 

I am so thankful that Christian is teaching me (without knowing it) to make changes in who I am, changes that I believe are helping me become more of the Destiny that God had in mind. But then of course, I am...because I am finally with my other half :)