God sees you. He is always glad to be with you and treats your weaknesses tenderly.

some words of encouragement for those feeling weary and worn down in relationships

When we get married, we bring all of who we are into the equation. If we have health issues or neurodivergence, those things impact daily life together. If we have unresolved trauma or other wounds, those things will influence our shared life. But so will our strengths. Our unique gifts. Our walk with God, and our tenacity and never-give-up grit.

Go gently. Humans have both resilience and frailty. Strengths and weaknesses. Soft and hard. Abrasive rough spots and smooth, tender hearts.

Today, hold space for the humbling task of joining forces. Employ patience. Cry out to God. He sees you. He hears you. He stands by ready to strengthen and assist you. He loves you so immensely. He’s always glad to be with you and treats your weaknesses tenderly. God validates your emotions. Give it all to Him. He can carry you through.

If you’re single, give recognition to the freedom and opportunity you’ve been given, too. Use the gifts God has placed within you and live fully. I love the passage about having an undistracted devotion to the Lord when we’re single.

Today I lay all of this at His feet. An offering. A relinquishment of control. A releasing of my burdens into His capable, loving hands.

i can’t do all of this effectively. I need You, Lord. And I have You.

I’m going to link some of my earlier articles which also might offer some encouragement. Remember, God is with you. He sees you. He never stops loving you. He can sustain you as you look to Him.

https://susankuenzi.substack.com/p/a-reflection-what-do-you-need-to/comments

Also, I’d like to recommend this fantastic article by my friend Victoria:

'How can articulating core values help us?'

This article really served to remind me of how holding close my core values can offer stability and strengthen me in turbulent times. When I remember what matters most to me, and what values guide us as a couple, we can set down an anchor when the waves threaten to throw us off course. We can return to these core values to give us the courage to carry on. One of my core values is to learn to love my husband by allowing God to love him through me. I know I won’t always feel like loving and showing kindness to him. But I grow through asking God to give me His love for others in my life.

This post found inspiration as I wrote this note this morning. We’ve been packing for a trip and wrapping up our work and personal commitments in the midst of a sweltering heat wave and health challenges. We just have to do the best we can, and lean into Him for help. Once we board the train tomorrow, and climb aboard the ship Friday, we can settle in and enjoy His majestic creation together.