"A Lifelong Outcast" - 22m:46s

Scott McFarland
02/18/18 - Sun AM Worship

Scripture Reading:  John 9:1-3

Take Time for Each Other

A few years ago, the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, MO made public 1,300 recently discovered letters that the late President wrote to his wife, Bess, over the course of a half-century. Mr. Truman had a lifelong rule of writing to his wife every day they were apart. He followed this rule whenever he was away on official business or whenever Bess left Washington to visit her beloved Independence. Scholars are examining the letters for any new light they may throw on political and diplomatic history. For our part, we were most impressed by the simple fact that every day he was away, the President of the United States took time out from his dealing with the world's most powerful leaders to sit down and write a letter to his wife.*

One of the hardest things to do as a married person is to prioritize time.  It always seems like there is something else that needs done.  If we were able to step back and look at the bigger picture, however, we would see that one of those things that “needs done” is work on our marriage.

Relationships take work, and time, to develop and maintain.  If I planted a tree in my yard and left it alone the day after I planted it, it would die within a few weeks or months.  It needs consistent water, at the very least, to grow and develop.

Why would I think any differently of my marriage than a tree, or a flower, or a garden?  All of these take work, and sacrifice, if they’re going to be successful.  Don’t forget to take time for each other!

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  —Ephesians 5:25

* From Bits & Pieces, October 15, 1992, pp. 15-16.

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