God's Preparations

Several weeks ago I was waiting to go into the church service and as I passed by the library a book caught my attention. It was sitting on the display shelf with several others. I went to it, only that one and grabbed it as if I had already planned on looking for it. I read the title, looked over the back cover, smiled thinking it sounded interesting and checked it out and went on my way. The book is called Love & Respect (The Love she most desires and The Respect he desperately needs) by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs .I started reading it right after church that afternoon. I was hooked after the first paragraph. I heard a whisper say to me that this will be the perfect book and the right time on my journey to read.
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A few days later we were driving out to Cameron for Navajo Tacos and so the boys could ride their dirt bikes. On the way there I had been reading the book. I looked up from it and asked my husband if he thought I respected him. He looked puzzled and then said that he couldn't answer that he didn't know. I asked him to think about it for a while and then I'd ask him again.
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I met a friend for coffee and she asked me if I was reading a book right now and if so what was it. So I told her what it was and she knew immediately about it. She had read it a long time ago. She said that she would get her copy of it out and refresh herself with it so that if I had any questions or comments we could talk about it. I liked the idea. Ironically our conversation that morning went around love and respect. About how my actions and words could lead to a more loving response from him. His actions would start coming across better, in a more loving way that I would respond with respect.
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Apparently I hadn't been listening very well to what the Lord was trying to whisper to me about so I could start applying and practicing some of the things that I had read and discussed with my friend already. He placed a day in my path that I wish had gone a little differently. It was a rough day between my husband and I. You know the type of day, ugly words exchanged, harsh actions and hurtful glances. (note: from that bad day to a week I had set the book aside and refused to look at it, touch or read it)

A few days after that ugly day we met with one of the pastors from our church. A few minutes into the conversation as I listened to what he had to ask and say to my husband a smile appeared on my face with a sideways glance up above my head. I said to myself to God "ok ok I hear you now"
The angle the pastor took was on the subject of Love and Respect.

God had placed that book in my hands. He had set up the coffee conversation that morning. He nudged me to speak up and ask my husband the question. He was in control on the bad day when I was out of control. He gave the pastor the words that went into my ears so I could think about them as they settled in my mind.

God prepares us for his lessons that he places in our hearts as he works on us. God prepares our hearts for Him.

I have continued to read the book, I'm almost finished with it. I will take in the words and assignment from the pastor to heart and work through them and apply them so that my relationship with my husband will continue to grow with Christ in the center. With friends that were placed in my path to offer support and encouragement I will explore Love & Respect and get back with you all as I learn this life lesson.