Renewing constantly; How to Incorporate the “Time Out”

Via TJC

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Married couples don't live the lives they portray on Facebook. We are constantly going through new seasons of life- kids becoming teenagers, parents aging and passing, new jobs and moves.  These all can cause chaos and confusion which will lead to disagreements and some fights.  You guys fight sometimes. My wife and I fight too. 

Most couple arguments sound dumb when you overhear them, maybe in a restaurant or in a checkout line. Of course, our arguments never sound dumb, right? 

Here's what we need to do: We need a way to quickly change from the person who thinks that it makes sense to argue about silly things - and into the person that overhears the whole argument. We need to distance ourselves from that silly moment just long enough to realize what’s important. 

And there's a way to do this with all the changes and fights you will face:

1. Call Time-Out. Time-out doesn’t mean run away. 

2. Walk away. 

3. Pound a glass of water. 

4. Walk away long enough to drink a bottle of water. 

5. You might even need to go to bed as no fight is good at 11pm; agree to take it back up tomorrow

6. You both have to agree that's what you'll do, and anyone can do this

7. Drink the water and think about the water of life, the living water that bound the two of you together. 

8. Ask for the Lord’s presence.

9. Come back together and try again.  

   
   

Here's why: we need to strengthen our ability to reflect on ourselves. Walking away does this. Drinking water ensures that you'll stay away long enough and will also manage your physiological response. 

As you go through life, making adjustments is a lifelong process. There will always be challenges such as having a child, moving, or buying a home. The most important thing is to align with one another and you won’t be able to do that if you can’t renew yourselves. 

The Lord said do not lose heart. He promised that he would renew us. He never gives up. If you ask, he will deliver, but we have to give him a chance to do that! 

So, walk away (for a few moments) and turn to Jesus Christ. Renew yourself and then return. If things get out of hand, do it again. 

Daily Battle Order:

Speak with each other and agree that if you are arguing you'll try what we advise in this Daily Battle Order.