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The Power of Understanding

Article by Mark Gungor

The
Power of Understanding
by Mark
Gungor

Understanding is extremely important
when it comes to a healthy successful
marriage.  When you are willing to understand
each other, new vision and hope will emerge.
You will immediately become energized to work on
your marriage, even if it is rife with
trouble.

Here is a story that illustrates
the power understanding has on our willingness to
stick to a difficult relationship.

Once there was a boy who lived with his
mother and grandfather.  His grandfather
was not really an elderly man, but he was
confined to a wheelchair and had very little use
of his arms.  His face was badly scarred,
and he had a difficult time swallowing his
food.

Every day the little boy was assigned the
task of going into his grandfather's room and
feeding him lunch.  This the little boy did
faithfully, but not joyously.  It was quite
a mess to feed Grandfather.

As the boy grew into adolescence, he became
weary of his responsibility.  One day he
stormed into the kitchen and announced that he
had had enough.  He told his mother, "From
now on, you can feed Grandfather."

Very patiently his mother turned from her
chores, motioned for her son to sit down, and
said, "You are a young man now.  It is time
you know the whole truth about your
grandfather."  She continued, "Grandfather
has not always been confined to a
wheelchair.  In fact, he used to be quite
an athlete. When you were a baby, however, there
was an accident."

The boy leaned forward in his chair as his
mother began to cry.

She said, "There was a fire.  Your
father was working in the basement, and he
thought you were upstairs with me.  I
thought he was downstairs with you.  We
both rushed out of the house.  Your
grandfather found you, wrapped you in a wet
blanket, and made a made a mad dash through the
flames.  He brought you safely to your
father and me.

"He was rushed to the emergency room
suffering from second-and third-degree burns as
well as smoke inhalation.  The reason he is
the way he is today is because of what he
suffered the day he saved your life."

By this time the boy had tears in his eyes
as well.  He never knew; his grandfather
never told him. And with no conscious effort on
his part, his attitude changed.  With no
further complaints, he picked up his
grandfather's lunch tray and took it to his
room.

Once you understand why your husband acts
that way, or why your wife thinks that way, it
will change how you feel about him or her, though
nothing has really changed.  Compassion will
come with an accompanying perseverance-all because
you now understand.

I cannot overstate the importance of
understanding.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

This
article is by Mark Gungor, pastor and creator of
the wonderful and helpful programs, seminars, and
books at Laugh
Your Way to A Better Marriage.

God bless your marriage and
family.

Jim
Stephens

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