Day 8 - Love is not jealous

I definitely learned a couple of things on today's dare. First -I didn't know there was a good kind of jealousy, like when someone you love turns their back on you. I have always struggled with the notion of our God being a jealous God because that seems like such a human quality to be jealous. But reframed, in terms of a commitment taken for granted vs. envy sheds new life on it for me.

Our Pastor has consistently challenged us during our marriage to use our differences as a source of complimentary strength vs. competition. I don't have to be jealous that William has an easy going style that makes it easy for others to relate to him or his genuine compassion for others. Because he has those as strengths, so do I, since we are ONE. This was evident today while we were shopping to get things for William's trip to Haiti. William didn't want to spend a lot of money on his luggage for Haiti because he felt like he would only use it once. I agreed about not spending a lot of money, but also had to bring the practical realities of 1) you are in a rough and tumble place- not a place for things breaking down on you, 2) you have a heart for Missionary work, so this will likely not be the last time you use it, 3) if you are willing to shop around (ala TJ Maxx), you can get the best of both worlds - inexpensive and good quality. That's what he got.

So, I completed the dare today, burning the paper with all of his negative attributes. I went out to the patio with a lighter and set the paper on fire. I must say, that I have never really played with fire, so burning things was new to me. I began by lighting the corner of the paper with no words, the fire went out quickly. But when I lit the area with the negative attributes, the flame grew to the extent that I had to drop the paper to prevent the flame from burning my hand! Just goes to show our words either written or spoken have the power to destroy, if not handled properly.

Well, I am very proud of my husband's commitment to go to Haiti and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. I am expecting that this will be a life changing event for him AND combined with the Love Dare will take our marriage to a new level. Please pray for their safety and most of all pray that the Lord use them for His perfect will to be done. I want Haiti to forever be changed for the good - witchcraft done away with because of the efforts of the Saints. Let's be bold in our prayers asking God to do miracle upon miracle through them!

Be Blessed!!