Triple Threat, I Hope

It is funny because the first thing that I want to do is to provide counsel from the natural. Many ideas and suggestions come to mind immediately. My profession immediately kicked in when I read this post. But I know that God will be the only one to provide the answer. Although I know that I can be that tool that the Lord provides to help with guidance. Since I have seen this on several occasions. As far as a response to this post it took some time to find the right words. I am going to throw out there an attempt at three answers/thoughts for exploration.
So the counsel perspective provided several things, although I will try to stay general in my words. In terms of the struggle that is experienced within the family, think about the side of our spouse who may be feeling the frustration of their own lives whether it is stress or a search for answers as well. Arguing may not be serving the purpose that one is looking to accomplish by making certain statements. Thoughts may be one’s expression of their own feelings because something is missing. One must search their insides for what is truly their purpose for life. What makes you truly happy and can there be a balance between the multiple things such as schooling/academia and family. Is one better or therefore the betterment of the other? If that makes any sense at all. It is defiantly a struggle that I don’t envy but understand because of my own struggles between expanding my family versus money as well as a potential job move. All of these also spill into my marriage and family-robbing me of my foundation and the support as well as enjoyment that this provides me. So I sympathize with the struggle.
So the God perspective provides a different view of things and a way to find some clarity in your exploration. Again trying to remain nondirectional or judgmental not trying to push my own perspective but explaining a view. In terms of our paths in life and the things we do or have happen, God gives us things that we need when we least expect it as part of a grand scheme or plan. Although this was not your plan, God is leading you to what He wants your plan to be even though you must choose which the whole purpose of free will is. Even if we do wander down the wrong path at times remember we can always turn back. I now turn to these lyrics by We As Human in their song “Until We’re Dead” He lets us fall until we turn and reach out for Him, We can never fall too far from Him. The struggle is your need to make the best choice for you and your family based on your belief. This struggle though is like the devil is trying to provide confusion and distraction to you in order to hide the path that God has set forth for you to choose. Just like the constant struggle with your weight, it took you ten years to find the right path while dealing with the constant distraction and many other paths that are present. This is what makes things more difficult. All of these experiences, events and encounters have been the building blocks of knowledge that you have needed in order to survive all the conundrums that you have dealt with over your lifetime. They have prepared you for this moment in life that God is waiting for you to choose. Remember that He is always there and remains patient and merciful despite all of our screw ups.
So here are the thoughts that were spurned when reading through your post. The first pertains to the letter portion of the post. I like what Tolkien says about the ‘real soul mate’ is the one you are actually married too. This struck me because I feel that we could spend eternity looking for the perfect one in a world that is hardly perfect because we all have flaws and would never find our soul mate unless we allow God to provide us with that opportunity. The same way people spend eternity looking for answers when all they truly need to do is listen to God and he will provide you with answers to all your questions. This is confirmed in Matthew chapter 7 verses 7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. I believe that Patti is that God given soul mate that was assigned for you. Real soul mates are the ones we have to work with in order to make them prosper. Besides what would be the fun in having someone that does not provide a challenge for us, this is why you and I get along so well in spite of our different styles and approaches. Maybe you and I should talk about a challenge that you and I could participate in, related to bettering our relationship and ourselves.
It is the last thought of the God perspective I think that Frodo felt the need to take on the responsibility of the ring after several decades of struggle even though it would have been better just to let go and have someone else be responsible. But that my friend would be too easy and not how God intended us to work or he would not have given us free will. We must make the choice to seek out the Kingdom of Heaven in order to receive its riches. You and I know that neither of us likes to do things the easy way, hence why we have clicked from the beginning and continue to challenge each other despite the gaps and differences. As a human being we have the will to both be and provide for a family as part of our life purpose. But we also have the drive to know more of the things that are our passions in life such as academia or our relationship with God. The question becomes again, balance and peace with the things that we choose in our lives for ourselves and our family ultimately.
Your welcome, it will always be there no matter what no matter when.