A Lesson in Patience and Understanding
We have decided change our backsplash. When I tell you that is a big deal, I mean it is a BIG DEAL. This is a house that my hubby refers to as "The Money Pit." We shouldn't have bought it for the price we paid. We didn't realize...I mean REALLY realize how much work it needs when we bought it. So, at this point, years later, most of the stuff has not been done because we don't want to put any more than absolutely necessary into it. Needless to say, as someone that wants the house looking up-to-date and at its best when we have company, I'm always a little sad that it still looks a lot like it did when we moved in over 10 years ago.
Well, I decided to have a "talk" with the hubby about the backsplash. I told him there are some things we can do that will help it sale (if we ever do sale) that wouldn't cost a lot of money (e.g. paint walls, backsplash, & paint cabinets) . Some things may even hurt a sale if they are not done, such as the backsplash being circa 1990(ish).
Instead of feeling like I was talking to a brick wall when it comes to doing work in this house. My hubby listened to me. I'm not implying that he doesn't normally listen to me, but this is a very touchy subject that is usually met with brick wall syndrome. Not only did he listen to me, he went with me to look at tiles and even bought samples to see what will work best with our existing counter top.
The next weekend (this past weekend), he proceeded to bust out the OLD TILE! No more random fruits and vegetables randomly scattered across our backsplash. It is happening. I'm so thankful right now. You just don't know how much better our kitchen will look with SOMETHING...ANYTHING updated. It is not a terrible kitchen, but it is showing its age now.
I'm hoping by the end of this next weekend, at least one section will be done. I don't know if he will get it all done or not. I'm excited for whatever is finished because I know the day is coming when it will ALL be done.
There are two points I want to make about all of this. Point number one is - PATIENCE. I had to be very patient and wait until my hubby could see my side of the situation. It's not that he is so hard-headed that he wouldn't listen to me. He is a good man. It's just that he was so fixated on his idea about the situation that I had to wait until he was able to adjust his way of thinking. Believe me, that took a lot of patience. I didn't scream and yell at him about it. I talked sensibly and he finally listen...really listened.
The second point is - UNDERSTANDING. While I was being patient about the stuff I wanted done not getting done, I had to be understanding to his side of the situation. I had to realize why he felt the way he did. Otherwise, without understanding, there is no patience and there are probably no rational conversations.
I think that's what the Lord has to deal with all the time with us. You know there are things you should do or people ask you to do, but you have that "brick wall syndrome" stopping you. Sometimes, you just have your mind made up about a situation. The Lord keeps prompting you, but you keep refusing. You know what I mean?
I'm thankful that He is so patient and understanding with me. I know it put Him to the limit sometimes, though.
Well, I decided to have a "talk" with the hubby about the backsplash. I told him there are some things we can do that will help it sale (if we ever do sale) that wouldn't cost a lot of money (e.g. paint walls, backsplash, & paint cabinets) . Some things may even hurt a sale if they are not done, such as the backsplash being circa 1990(ish).
Instead of feeling like I was talking to a brick wall when it comes to doing work in this house. My hubby listened to me. I'm not implying that he doesn't normally listen to me, but this is a very touchy subject that is usually met with brick wall syndrome. Not only did he listen to me, he went with me to look at tiles and even bought samples to see what will work best with our existing counter top.
The next weekend (this past weekend), he proceeded to bust out the OLD TILE! No more random fruits and vegetables randomly scattered across our backsplash. It is happening. I'm so thankful right now. You just don't know how much better our kitchen will look with SOMETHING...ANYTHING updated. It is not a terrible kitchen, but it is showing its age now.
I'm hoping by the end of this next weekend, at least one section will be done. I don't know if he will get it all done or not. I'm excited for whatever is finished because I know the day is coming when it will ALL be done.
There are two points I want to make about all of this. Point number one is - PATIENCE. I had to be very patient and wait until my hubby could see my side of the situation. It's not that he is so hard-headed that he wouldn't listen to me. He is a good man. It's just that he was so fixated on his idea about the situation that I had to wait until he was able to adjust his way of thinking. Believe me, that took a lot of patience. I didn't scream and yell at him about it. I talked sensibly and he finally listen...really listened.
The second point is - UNDERSTANDING. While I was being patient about the stuff I wanted done not getting done, I had to be understanding to his side of the situation. I had to realize why he felt the way he did. Otherwise, without understanding, there is no patience and there are probably no rational conversations.
I think that's what the Lord has to deal with all the time with us. You know there are things you should do or people ask you to do, but you have that "brick wall syndrome" stopping you. Sometimes, you just have your mind made up about a situation. The Lord keeps prompting you, but you keep refusing. You know what I mean?
I'm thankful that He is so patient and understanding with me. I know it put Him to the limit sometimes, though.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:2
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