RECEPTION OR DECEPTION?
Note: These life coaching clients agreed to use parts of their sessions with the hope that others can learn from their trials.
I have a husband-wife client who struggles to agree on their process of spiritual growth. Both have resolved to develop stronger trust in God and less reliance on themselves. Over time, rather than encourage each other’s growth, they’ve allowed a competitive spirit to immerge.
The wife is active in community outreach. The husband chooses solitary resources to expand his values. She increased her financial gifts to their church. He increased his quiet time to read and reflect. Both do what they believe enhances their quality of life, yet their arguments have become heated, and their hearts have grown cold.
In a recent session, the husband said his wife is frequently gone from home to do mission work. She doesn’t agree with some of the resources he uses for spiritual development.
Both agree upon the importance of supporting their community, but he thinks she’s cut out what he considers life’s essentials to pour into these outreaches. She thinks he’s isolated himself from others.
They reached an impasse. Both have good motives. Both have kind hearts. Both approach life differently.
What started out as a virtuous mission to strengthen their faith has weakened their alliance with each other. Perception leads to reception. False perception leads to deception.
Through our coaching sessions, much progress has been made. This couple agreed to retrain themselves to celebrate their individual accomplishments, rather than feature their differences. We’ll continue our coaching sessions with respect for each other’s pace and style. We’re working to create perception reception rather than perception deception.
From a softer light,
Christina
But be careful. Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the Lord…If you do, the Lord’s anger will burn against you… (Dt. 11:16-17 NIV).
Reader! Your turn!
How will you use this couple’s struggle to retrain yourself to see hope in sometimes-hopeless situations?
Kindly leave your comments and suggestions so we can learn from each other.
For 5-minute audio clips, go to YouTube: A Slice of PIE with Christina Mae
