Swap Lists

Just before I got married, someone told me a story that I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

A young married couple was feeling the growing pains of adjusting to married life. Their bickering had turned into full-blown fights. But before they went to an attorney, they decided to visit a pastor.

Each one gave a laundry list of what was wrong with the other, and they both explained in great detail why divorce was the only answer. The pastor handed each one a piece of paper and said, “Write down the five biggest needs that you have.” After they completed their lists, they both started to hand them to the pastor, and he said, “Swap lists. Now go home and stay married.”

Girls, do you know what’s on his list? Does he know what’s on your list? (Don’t assume that he knows.) Swap lists. Don’t look at your list anymore—look at his. Even if he doesn’t look at yours, look at his.

Are we making marriage more complicated than it needs to be?

Swap lists.

--Andrea