Emotionally Connecting

Tears are good, when they're honest and sincere. Image: from Google Images.

We are half way through the semester, and I am hop you’re enjoying my blog posts.

I dug deep this week and was blessed to create “a gem of inspiration.” Let me define what turning toward one another means. It's what’s occurring in the brief intimate exchanges when a husband and wife are connecting. They are “attuning” by turning toward one another. (Gottman, p. 87). It’s letting your partner know that they are important and appreciated. Now contemplate this concept in D&C 64:33 – “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”

I find it interesting to recognize the depth of vision and intuition we receive when we study the scriptures. For example, “small things,” if done frequently enough become like interest we receive from the bank. ‘It is a happy day financially when time and interest are working for you and not against you.’ (“One for the Money” – Marvin J. Ashton. Sept 2007). Compounding interest positively, is it that simple? We take it for granted most of the time and look at it negatively. So, I want to flip it around and use the concept in a more prolific way.

I want you to think! Are you ready? Seriously, are you ready? You’re just about to have a light-bulb moment. How positive and strong can your marriage be if you invest in it daily? “Doing small things like listening to your partner, asking how his/her day went, or leaving a love note so your spouse could see it throughout the day?” (Gottman, p. 94-96).

Now I want you to ponder about the below quote. Inspiration will be different for each of us, enjoy the feelings, feel the spirit enlightening your mind. Ponder on the power you have, right now to add to your “emotional bank account” for yourself, your spouse, and your relationship.

President J. Reuben Clark Jr.: “Interest never sleeps nor sickens nor dies; … Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demands, it crushes you” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1938, 103).

How awesome will it be when our emotional bank accounts overflow with love, fondness, and admiration? Your marriage, “is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever” you invest and make daily deposits it strengthens you, and protects you from the “blood and sins of this generation,” (Doctrine & Covenants 88:85). “Verily I say unto you, behold how great is your calling. Cleanse your hearts and your garments, lest the blood of this generation be required at your hands. (Doctrine & Covenants 112:33).

This week will you do one of the following three things, then keep doing it differently each week/month? “You can use your own activities, these are only suggestions.” (Gottman, p. 94-96).

• Engage in hobbies.

• Hunt for a new house or apartment.

• Pay bills.

• Read out loud together.

Refereneces

Gottman, J., M., & Silver, N., (2015). "The seven principles for making marriage work." A practical guide from the country's foremost relationship expert. Harmony Books. P:2015

ISBN:978-0-553-44771-2