Self-Growth

There are times when we all get stagnant in life. We become comfortable and complacent with where we are. We may even feed ourselves lies that we can never change or that things will never improve. Unfortunately, these lies can become a reality if we give up. Complacency can become a horrible place to stay. Repeating the same old mistakes, arguments, and trials with no growth. I don't know about you but there are some trials in life that I never want to repeat. I cry out to God that I want to learn whatever He is trying to instruct.

 Our relationships are one area that requires cultivation and growth. There are moments when each person in the relationship must take a turn at being the bigger person and growing and learning. These moments can be hard. To be perfectly vulnerable there are times that I do not want to be the bigger person! I want to stand my ground and pout. I know that I am right! And there are times when you will be right in some areas, but compromise and forgiveness is needed anyway.

One thing to remember is that your goal should always be about growth. Growing closer to each other and growing closer to God. There is no improvement or change without growth. We cannot force another person to grow, but we can focus on our own growth and hope that with our example and influence we encourage the other people around us to change. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another: Proverbs 27:17.

Blended families are more difficult than first-time families. When the going gets tough we must lean into God and focus on ourselves and how we can change and improve. If we spend all our time looking at what the other person does wrong, we will never have a good relationship and everyone will continue to be miserable. Relationships stuck in that rut many times end in divorce.

Start by journaling your feelings and thoughts daily, pray about them, and let God guide you in the areas that you need to change and what things are worth sharing with our partner. There are many times we share or confront when our emotions are elevated and it wasn't even something that should have been an issue or even worse it was our own issue. This type of conflict will never bring about any change.