It could have been one of my kids a thousand times over.
Marriages are never going to be without disagreement, but could we clean it up a little? Take away the young child's sigh?
What if we debate our differences instead?
A debate has a start and stop time with the intention of deliberating a specific topic.
An argument deteriorates into quarreling, wrangling, squabbling and bickering.
A debate...debates.
An argument...attacks.
Is there a topic the two of you replay often? Does it descend into arguing that is scary to the little hearts in your house?
You always....!
You never...!
I wish you would (wouldn't)...!Here is a suggestion for the argument replayed most often in your house. Ask God for a solution discussion that resolves and thus heals the topic. No more replays.
It will probably take a timed debate, where both of you are calm and bring your points to the table. No attacks, just reasoned opinion and desires. Ask God to help you bring to the debate two important items: a heart for concession and His wisdom on the subject.
Debating parents give their children security and hope that they, too, may one day enter into a productive and respectful marriage. Arguing parents ensure that hostility will always be just around the corner, ready to snipe at any given moment. Hard on little hearts...and big ones as well.
No argument "won" is worth the cost on a little heart.
The little hearts once in my charge paid the price. I pray you'll spare those with whom you share life now.
