Every time I had a fight with my girl friend I used to think our relationship was over. I had to learn a fight meant there was something that had to be worked out. Of course, I had to learn how to fight fairly and not attack my partner in the process. Sometimes when the argument became too heated, I had to wait until both of us calmed down. I was not always good about that. I had to learn to wait awhile before continuing the discussion, again.

There is nothing sweeter than forgiveness.  It was only two days ago tempers between my wife and I flared over finances.  (Is there anything else couples fight over?)  Sure, but that seems to be a big area of disagreement.  Sparks flew between the two of us.  I did not act too nice or becoming.  She slept terribly that night and the only reason I didn’t was I took a pill at bed time.  We resolved our differences when both of us were calmer.  Sometimes you have to sit on opinions.  It really does no good to state your side over and over, which I did.  I forgot I needed to give my partner time.  The next day after the argument we hugged and made up.  There really is nothing sweeter than forgiveness.

It does me no good to point out my wife’s shortcomings.  We had a fight last night.  And I thought about this the following morning.

I will let the details go.  It does me no good to tell my wife you were wrong.  You did this and that.  Why should I mention my partner’s shortcomings?

I am well aware I err again and again.  That is why it is so important to let go of all your resentment of your partner at the end of the night.

We are all flawed.  We are commanded to forgive each other.  And start all over the next morning–to give each other a clean slate.  What right do I have to point out to my wife her shortcomings?!

I know how imperfect I am.  I do not have to be convinced of that.  So let your resentments go.  We are all sinners.  Do you have any doubt you aren’t?!

Sometimes I have awful timing and you think I would have learned after eight years but I haven’t.  We got in a heated argument about finances.  I should have known better.

We get up at different times and I am still learning to leave her alone right after she gets up and let her wake up.  After all, I had the time:  she didn’t.  I have gotten better about this but I am a slow learner.

It was bad timing to engage in an argument right after she got up.  Maybe next time I will hold my tongue and at least wait until she had done her devotionals and had sufficient time to enter her day.  My timing was terrible.