Mad Love

I've been going to Gateway Church here in Austin, Texas and right now they are doing a series on relationships.
The Barenaked Ladies song, "One Week" set up this week's message..

It's been one week since you looked at me
Cocked your head to the side and said, "I'm angry"
Five days since you laughed at me saying
Get that together come back and see me
Three days since the living room
I realized it's all my fault, but couldn't tell you
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
But it'll still be two days till I say I'm sorry

How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad
Trying hard not to smile though I feel bad
I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral
Can't understand what I mean? Well, you soon will
I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
I have a history of taking off my shirt

It's been one week since you looked at me
Threw your arms in the air and said, "You’re crazy"
Five days since you tackled me
I've still got the rug burns on both my knees
It's been three days since the afternoon
You realized it's not my fault not a moment too soon
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
And now I sit back and wait till you say you're sorry

Whether you do the church thing, believe in God...whatever, I was reminded of some pretty valuable stuff yesterday that I thought I would write out. That way when you all see me slacking, you can reference this and call me on it.

Happiness in ANY kind of relationship (family, friend, lover, spouse...even co-worker) is based on each person's ability to adjust to things beyond his or her control.

Bottom line. We bring family/cultural baggage.

Bono puts it beautifuly: And love is not the easy thing. The only baggage that you can bring. Not the easy thing. The only baggage you can bring is all that you can't leave behind.

Knowing where you come from and what you want to change and what you want to keep is KEY.

Key stuff that I will continue to think/journal/maybe write a tune on:

Grace...gotta have it for others. People mess up.
Decide to grow, not get your own way. (ouch) "it doesn't have to go my way for me to be a happy, well-adjusted person." (that is now on a post-it on my mirror)
Do I ask others to change OR ask God to change me!
No one can take away your power to choose- and that includes your ATTITUDE.

Next week the message is on Commitment...I have NO issues with that..I have heard that marriage is a great institution, but I'm not ready for an institution yet.

I bet you can't wait until next weeks post!! (if you'd like to check out Gateway here in Austin...click here for Service times.

Cheers & Happy Monday!