What is the Solution?

I didn't realize how much I would learn from my years of early mathematics, that would apply to marriage!  But again, I am reminded of a childhood math experience.  Once I figured out the greater and less than signs, I would work through the review problems on the top of the sheet, then on to the next problems in the middle that were a new concept, and at the end, on the bottom of the worksheet were the dreaded "story" problems.

Those were the questions that caused the math student to not only compute, but take practical "problems" and find solutions.  I remember reading things about Jane and Jimmy buying carpeting to put in a room that was a certain size and trying to figure out how much carpet they would have left over if they purchased a certain pre-measured piece. 

Or dilemas where Susie and her father needed to measure flour to put into a cake, but they didn't have a cup measure, so how many Tablespoons should they use.

Some of you may have enjoyed those challenges, but frankly, I couldn't for the life of me figure out why Jane and Jimmy needed new carpet if it took that much thinking. Just buy a few throw rugs and it should be good.  And if Susie and her dad needed to measure flour, just use a drinking cup and call it good. It may be a little dry or too moist, but you could probably still eat the cake!

SO now , how does this relate to relationships?   The question of "What is the solution" can throw us all sometimes!  In marriage there are many problems that we are assigned to solve. Some are small ( who takes which child to their ball game, when the other one is going grocery shopping)  and some are large ( should we move to another town, or which counselor do we go to ).  Sometimes there is one answer. More often than not, there are SEVERAL answers/or ways to get to the answer . 

Today , ask your partner "What is our biggest problem we are facing right now?" .  Then list 5 Solutions.  They can be silly, practical, wishful, or illogical. Just list five together.  Then determine to try one.    You may find yourself going back and trying another one at a later time.

But working on the issue is what matters.  You will eventually come to a solution together if you face the problem and the answer together! And working on problems may not be so dreaded , after all!