In every home, it is vital that at least one of you takes the responsibility to be the Peacemaker. Now it is even better if you are both assuming this responsibility, because it is almost impossible to avoid misunderstandings, hurts, and stress over money in any home. The question is not if you will have stress and arguments, but how you will resolve them.
Nicky Gumbel, founder of the Alpha Course, has a wonderful way to frame the role of the peacemaker. It is worthy of writing on a note and posting it in your home to see every day.
The first to apologize is the bravest.
The first to forgive is the strongest.
The first to forget is the happiest.
Just this week, Ann and I had a spat about something – unimportant. I went in to my office to begin working on my book and was reminded of this method to make peace. I immediately got up, went back to the kitchen and apologized. Ann burst out laughing. She said, “You beat me to it! I wanted to be first to apologize.” We both work at being the peacemaker in our home and it makes working together on our finances so much easier. Don’t get me wrong, we have made tons of mistakes, but we have overcome them through the Lord’s help.
We know you can too. Put this into practice!
