Marriage Advice Your Mom Never Gave You, Day 6 — GRITANDFAVOR.COM

Do the things you find important... even if people around you don’t agree.
+++
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:24. The process of becoming one flesh looks like denying yourself, but it can also mean denying those around you. The opinions of the outside world are often loud and demanding. While this post isn’t related to only your families - you don’t have to have a crap relationship with your in-laws or your parents - sometimes salvaging and thriving in relationships with your family, friends, your boss, mouthy people on the internet, etc. means we have to listen to advice and pass on what doesn’t work for your family. I know NOTHING about cows but I think the saying goes, “chew the cud and spit out the sticks.” I think.
+++
Example: We as a couple decided we weren’t going to do Santa, the tooth fairy, or the Easter Bunny. There were a multitude of reasons, but they were our reasons and our convictions. It was a bit of a 180 for our family as we had already done Santa with our daughter for a few years. Some people were confused by our decision and a few even mocked us for not allowing our kids the magic of childhood. But that which is important to you isn’t up for negotiation because someone outside our four walls doesn’t agree. You do you, boo-boo. 
+++
Furthermore, you are not responsible for how people feel about what you choose to do as a family. 

What to homeschool despite suggestions that your kids won’t be socialized? Cool… go for it. 

Want to move across the country and plant a church even though you will be dead broke living on love and provision from God? Awesome… pack your bags. 

Is it best for you to be a stay-at-home mom even though others think it is a waste of your college degree? Put in your notice, friend! 

Want to have another baby even though Aunt Ruth thinks you can’t handle the three you have? Have that baby. 

Don’t feel like you should miss church for kids’ sports? YES… Girl, take your family to church, play sports later. (oof… that is a post all on its own. I’ll save that for another day.) 

If something works for your family… do it!! The only one allowed to negotiate the terms of your household family unit other than you and your spouse is God. And last time I checked… your college roommate isn’t God. 
+++
This encouragement is not a free pass to ignore everyone around you living in your “do it my way” bubble. But once you have listened to them, spoken to your spouse, and prayed about it, you are free to make the decision that is best for your family. A solid, healthy, biblical marriage is a union between TWO people before God. Don’t let the voices around you muddy it. 

+++ 
Matthew 19:4-6, Genesis 2:24, Genesis 2:25 (for fun 😉), Galatians 5:7-8