Reaping what one sows

Thirteen years of marriage. I have been married for thirteen years. In that time I have always tried to make my beloved happy. Unfortunately that was not always what was best for her. Similar to how one must discipline a child, sometimes a husband must do things that a wife may not agree with or enjoy. Do not misunderstand me. I am in no way saying I need to discipline my wife! What I am saying is that a parent must do things that a child does not enjoy in the form of discipline - and then there are times when a husband and wife may not agree on something, and the husband must do what he believes what is right before God. Even when the wife does not enjoy that course of action. Well, last night I had to essentially pursue a course of action that my wife does not agree with and that has led to some "intense fellowship" between the two of us. We did not get here over night. In the past I have not planned sufficiently. I have not said 'no' or 'yes' where I may have needed to. I have said or done things to appease my wife (i.e. make her happy) instead of working with her to do things that, while less enjoyable to put it mildly, were needed. In essence I have failed to lead and protect my second most precious gift that the Lord has entrusted to me. As a result I have caused her (and thus myself) pain, and I am now paying the price. Verse for the day: Psalm 31:14-24 esv But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love! O Lord, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol. Let the lying lips be mute, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride and contempt. Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. I had said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight.” But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help. Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!