Teammates
Teammates
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Eph. 5:21 niv)
One Friday night my husband, Jim, and I, both of us tired, argued about our Saturday afternoon plans. We had all the kids for the weekend—Jim’s and mine. He wanted us all to go to a movie, which his kids would love; but I wanted to go to the river, which my daughter would love. He eventually conceded, but we were both mad.
Getting ready for bed, I thought: I should apologize, but I don’t want to! “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph. 4:26). I know, I know.
When I walked out of the bathroom, Jim was reading in bed. “I’m sorry for the way I acted,” I gulped. “I know sometimes my loyalty to Ashley gets in the way. I believe you have the best intentions regarding the kids, but I don’t always act like it.”
He looked at me. “I’m guilty of the same thing. I’m sorry too. A riverside picnic sounds like a great way to spend the afternoon.”
I sat beside him. “This blended family thing is so complicated.”
“I know. I had no idea it would be this hard.”
I searched his eyes. “But it’s worth it. We just have to remember we are on the same team.”
Take one couple, add children from previous marriages, mix in ex-spouses, and you can get a spicy stew with unpredictable flavor. Then tension builds in the marriage when there’s no time to discuss problems, share feelings, or build intimacy. But if you are in a blended family, be encouraged. The Lord can shape your family into one with a strong bond, where everyone feels safe and loved and God is glorified.