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Key Bible Verse: Don't think only of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them (1 Corinthians 10:24). Bonus Reading: Philippians 2:3–4

"It's all about me," a ministry leader admitted to me and a few others. He was describing his marriage. His words really bothered me because, underneath them, I heard God's voice: "Your life matches this description, too, Jeff. What are you going to do about it?"

Erin wanted to become a nurse and had begun pre-nursing studies before our marriage. The slide began innocently enough. After my job took me out of state, we'd married, and she'd left school behind. Where we lived, our work and friends, our proximity to other family, our parenting responsibilities, our transportation situation—had all become basically about me.

So I sat down with Erin for a let's-make-this-not-about-me-anymore discussion, and invited her to take her dreams off hold. It hasn't proved a burden. Now—five years later—Erin's a registered nurse. It's who she is. And I'm delighted!

Your wife's dream might be about a livelihood, or her special contribution to your marriage, or her unique contribution to the world. But how can a man truly serve his wife if he lets her settle for anything less in life than what's written on her heart to become?

—Jeffrey Leever in Colorado

My Response: Am I aware of my wife's dreams? How am I helping her realize them?

Thought to Apply: Married love is hard work, because it requires me to constantly think of my spouse first instead of myself. —Bill and Nancie Carmichael (authors)

Prayer for the Week

Thank you, God, for granting me a life partner. Help us to realize the oneness You intended for us—in spirit as well as in body.

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