The days get long and the nights get short. You need some downtime only to find more stuff time.

Stuff that distracts you from the love of your life.

• Children
• Bills
• Work
• House
• Church
• Friends
• Overplanning

And it’s not to say they aren’t important too. But when everything else is drawing you away from your spouse, how can you draw near?

Let’s get ready to rumble!

Michael Buffer trademarked that phrase in 1992. He started as an announcer, an MC, for boxing matches. His phrase that he said all the time when introducing the match was “Let’s get ready to rumble.”

Most people think of a fight when they hear that phrase. And unfortunately, when we are tired, we may not hear that phrase in our head when our spouse walks in the door, but there you are. Ready for the boxing match; just because.

As you know my Dad passed away over 7 years ago. Well, yesterday would have been my Mom and Dad’s 50th wedding anniversary. I still can’t believe it. Fifty years is A LOT of years to dedicate your life to someone. If you asked my mom, I’m sure there would be days that she would say that it was more like 75 years of lifetime moments. But other days, so very short when you look back in your mind.

I know life wasn’t always easy for my parents. Not only did they have three children to raise, but they also had a congregation, a church. They both loved deep and cared much. They put themselves on hold for the sake of others. Sometimes that can be a blessing and at other times a curse.

Was their marriage perfect? My mom would definitely say NO! It took lots of work, lots of patience, and forgiveness.

When I hear the phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble!”, in marriage it’s all about forgiveness.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Get ready to forgive!

You know if we led with a forgiving heart rather than a WIIFM heart, there would be a lot more marriages that thrive and less that die.

Whether it’s a boxing match or a college football bowl game, the fight isn’t about the win. The win is about forgiveness.

Who can forgive first?

And remember, forgiveness is not about the other person. It’s not about what they did or didn’t do. It’s about your heart, your healing, your time to be more joyful.

So let’s get ready to forgive!

1. Change the coverage. Don’t look for what you don’t like. Look for the opportunity to serve with a forgiving heart. Embrace the differences as part of your journey.
2. Go deep. If there is something bothering your spouse, then dig deeper. You need to understand his position and what’s happening. Don’t make assumptions. Those only get you into trouble. Ask questions and then listen.
3. Play for the heart. Words and actions speak volumes. You don’t have to have all the answers, but you do know how to get to his heart. So love deep and care much.

Mr. Michael Buffer had it all right when it came to announcing a fight…”Let’s get ready to rumble!” But in marriage, the rumble isn’t about the fight. It’s about forgiveness.

Go into battle with your best weapon, forgiveness!

Then, you’ll be ready for a different kind of wrestling. (wink, wink)

“Train for life. Love your journey!”