Ken's Corner: Don't Give Up

Well this is blog number six in my "Ken's Corner" series- lessons I've learned from my psychologist. This one really should have been number one. The most important thing he ever said...

First, if I were a pastor speaking to a congregation once a week, I would end every message with the same three words. I determined this years ago and am still convinced that people need to hear this regularly:

Don't give up.

Don't give up on your dream of owning a business. Don't give up because you haven't found a medicine or solution that relieves your pain yet. Don't give up fighting your addiction. Don't give up trying to influence someone struggling. Don't give up in your faith even when it seems uncertain. Don't give up paying off your credit card even when it feels like your debt isn't shrinking fast enough. Don't give up on your dream to adopt even if the paperwork and money seems daunting. Don't give up because you haven't been promoted yet.

And maybe most importantly, don't give up on your relationships.

The most important thing Ken ever said was this, "You guys can have a great marriage. Not just an okay one." He has used that as an anchor, always pointing us back to that.

"You guys have to communicate if you want a great marriage."
"You have to negotiate to have a great marriage."  
"You have to get out on dates and have fun if you want a great marriage."

Sounds so simple but that statement rocked me. I guess I got in such a negative mental place that it didn't even cross my mind that we could be truly really forever happy. How motivating to realize we indeed can (and how sad that I lost sight of that)! Essentially he was saying not to give up because this was worth fighting for. This was going to be great.

So, I'll take this opportunity to remind everyone today, don't give up. On whatever has got you discouraged, weary, overwhelmed, burdened or burnt out. (and don't hesitate to speak these words right back at me!)