Proverbs 17

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." (Verses 1,14) I'd be an idiot to think that Susan and I won't fight. In fact, we've had our share already; some big one's too, and I'm wondering if there are even bigger ones to come. I'm thankful that I can't recall a time when we have stayed mad at each other for more than a few hours. Sometimes we may not have reached an agreement, but anger and dissent have subsided. It seems that Proverbs is encouraging me to seek peace with Susan (the person who I will live with, spend nearly all of my time with, share the most intimate things with, etc) before nearly all else in life. That peace in our home is more rewarding than the best meal. I can honestly believe this because when I look back on the fights that Susan and I have had (many times over seemingly trivial things), when they are not resolved, I genuinely feel a lacking in my body and my soul. This is a lacking I feel until we reach a resolution. I know that I have to continue to listen to this repeatedly, and that it is my role to initiate the origins of peace after a fight, regardless of whose fault it may be. I'm the one who is responsible to God for our family and I have to then be the one to bring us both back into right standing with Him. I know what it feels like when peace is not here and I have to maintain diligence to see that I react appropriately to bring Susan and I back to a peaceful place. -Bob