Taking the bossy out of marriage

Excerpts from my new book, “from science & religion to God,” is a briefer narrative of Mary Baker Eddy’s “Science and Health”:

“When a marriage is challenged, and it will be, don’t panic. Don’t become self-righteous. Sorrow has its reward and never leaves us where it found us. Let inspiration and wisdom guide your decisions.

Sit down and talk with your spouse before it gets to the point where you can’t talk civilly. Get a mediator if you need. Don’t complain and demand; listen back and forth. Compromise, and together learn how to be efficient, economical, fair, and thoughtful when it comes to household errands, financial matters, and your sex life. Spiritual, not bossy or ungrateful, consciousness is needed. You can’t fall out of Love because love is ever-present.

Trials teach us not to lean on human crutches, but on God. Remember this even when things are going well in a marriage. Use good and bad experiences to your advantage by letting new views of divine goodness and love come alive in everyday life.

Having children is a monumental responsibility. Having children doesn’t prove your spouse loves you. Children will not fill a void, only God can. Being a parent means caring for, paying for, cleaning up after, setting a good example, and teaching wisely the children.

We want to diminish mistakes, give higher aims to ambition, and raise our children with attitudes and expectations worthy of perpetuity.”