This man was raised by shallow-dialogue parents. Because of this, he thinks everyone is from a shallow-dialogue family. Further, he thinks of himself as using normal, regular, healthy language. Additionally, he sees himself as a happy, normal, regular-talking guy.
One day the man meets a fascinating girl from a deep-dialogue family. She thinks his shallow-dialogue stories are so fun and entertaining. His charm wows her. He’s cute, light, and entertaining. Eventually she thinks, “He’s almost perfect. I’ll teach him later how to engage in deep dialogue. He’ll be glad to do it. He loves me. He’s fun! I’m deep! It’s the perfect blend.”
Later
He says, “My talking is fine. Just love me as I am. Everyone loves me. Everyone thinks I’m funny and enjoys my company. Why can’t you just love me as I am?”
She says, “Yes, you’re funny and entertaining. And yes you’re good in a social setting. But I want deeper dialogue and more sharing about life, God, and our lives. Please grow with me.”
The Challenge
Opposites tend to attract. It’s common, but it presents a challenge. We know how to deal with what we are used to, but how to work with our relational opposite is challenging.
Pray. Submit. Negotiate. Try to take small steps forward. Keep talking, serving, and helping each other.
Prayer
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit help! Growing is hard. Being patient is hard. Even deep dialogue is hard. Help me grow in love and sacrifice. Let nothing divide us. I will not resist growth, my wife, or your challenge to make me new. Help me and Amen.
Bible Connection
(This verse is about working for a master. But the same principle applies. Work heartily in your marriage, just as you do for your job!)
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. Serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
Comments
One response to “A Tale of Two Dialogues”
I am the shallow dialogue guy. I am willing to go deeper, but I have to be shown or taught what deeper dialogue looks like. And also be in a safe place to do so or be taught how to have a deeper dialogue in ‘chaos’.