Day 2: Love is Kind

"Instead, be kind to each another, tenderhearted, forgiving one other, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

- Ephesians 4:32, New Living Translation

It has been challenging to remain patient especially since I have been giving in to my irritated self more often than not these past few months. Beginning to feel like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. *bleah*

Although I'm still grappling with patience, there is now an additional aspect: practising kindness. As I pondered about what being kind entailed besides patting ed ever so often and telling him he's doing a great job regardless of the true outcome...the book thankfully broke this down into 4 basic core ingredients:

• Gentleness: being careful how I treat my other half and never being unncessarily harsh.
• Helpfulness: meeting the needs of the moment and and not worrying about my rights.
• Willingness: being agreeable and accommodating versus demanding my way.
• Initiative: Thinking ahead and anticipating his needs.

Personally, the challenge for me was to show love without expecting a reciprocal response. Many times, I'm more like an accountant trying to 'balance' the marriage accounts, expecting Ed to at least meet me halfway in terms of our 'contributions' to household chores, our relationship etc.

However, the book reminded me that it was NOT about requiring the other half to get his act together before showing love:

"Love in its truest sense is not based on feelings. Rather love determines to show thoughtful actions even when there seems to be no reward."

Duly noted.

So now, I have to be patient AND kind. Nevertheless, I'm still persevering towards an improved me by Day 40.

For the record, I'm not trying to be Housewife of the Year. Just trying to be a better wife. *lalala*