The Green Monster
by Hannah Keeley
We’re all guilty of doing stupid, selfish things when given the right circumstances, where the selfish monster might rear its ugly green head, and set poor little scarecrows on fire. It’s important to realize the depth of our ugliness so that we can redeem ourselves with the height of our beauty.
But it all begins with learning to say two little words…
“I’m sorry.”
Apologizing is an art form, and if your marriage is going to work, you’ve got to develop the art. First of all, see a problem for what it is. If trouble develops in your marriage and you truly look at yourself objectively, you may see something that’s pretty darn ugly. Arguments are hardly ever one-sided, so hop in your husband’s skin once in a while and try to see your actions and hear your words through his eyes and ears. You may be surprised when you see that green skin glowing underneath the pretty little pinafore of blamelessness. We are not as faultless as we would like to believe. It takes a lot of guts to step up to the plate and take some blame. But guts are a lot prettier than self-righteousness.
If you are at fault, don’t waste time trying to explain, defend, or rationalize your words and actions. The only phrase that matters is “I’m sorry.” Say it, get it over with, and then you can explain all you want later. Building bridges is often more difficult than tearing them down, but it’s a lot easier to travel over a bridge than through a pile of rubble.
Focus on nurturing yourself through nurturing your marriage. It will all come back to you in waves of joy. This is your primary relationship. It will be the steam in your engine and the wind in your sails. And no amount of energy invested in your marriage is ever, ever wasted. Become fluent in lovers’ talk and reap the rewards for the rest of your life.
Hannah Keeley was once in overwhelmed mom living in a cluttered house, deep in debt, out of shape, and barely hanging on. But one day, after finding herself sobbing uncontrollably into a pile of clean laundry, she realized God has bigger and better plans for her (just like He does for each one of His children). Beginning that day, she began making changes in her life that took her from overwhelmed to overjoyed. Today, she’s helping moms do the same. Hannah, her husband, Blair, and their seven children live in Richmond, Virginia, and are having the time of their lives!
Check out Hannah’s Website Here!
Want more help to create your Crazy Blessed life? I got you! Each episode of my podcast, Crazy Blessed is created to help you live the life God designed you for—a life of abundance. LISTEN NOW!
And if you’re a mom, then you could probably use a little help now and then. Here are some of my free resources that you can use anytime you get a hankering (which is southern for, “when you feel like it”).
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