Most of us have seen the words, “Batteries Required” when trying to assemble a toy for our child, niece or nephew. Batteries required means that for this toy to work, it needs batteries. I was recently reminded that our cars and homes also require maintenance. In most states, every year, you are required to get a state inspection sticker in order to maintain driving your vehicle legally. Every few months, you are required to get your oil change, maybe even balance and rotation of your tires, etc. Sometimes, it can feel like a real inconvenience when your state inspection is due, or your oil change is due or any other maintenance. If you own a home, you must maintain your yard and not let your grass get out of hand. You may be asking yourself why am I talking about maintenance?

Too often we find ourselves complaining about the very thing we prayed to God about. We’re complaining about our spouse, children, car, job, etc. There was time when we didn’t have the very thing we prayed for and now that we have it; we find ourselves unhappy. Our spouse is getting on our nerves or wants to conversate at the most inconvenient times; We find ourselves complaining. Mostly everything we have requires maintenance. I want to encourage you to spend time with your spouse and do the necessary maintenance required to maintain your marriage.

Maintenance required could look like quality time or serving your spouse or perhaps making their favorite meal or dessert. Also, location doesn’t matter, it’s about spending quality time with your significant other. Instead of complaining about that grass in your yard is too high, thank God for your home and if need be, hire someone to cut the grass for you. Instead of complaining about waking up at 5AM to go to work, thank God that you are gainfully employed. I know when Monday morning rolls around it’s often hard to get out of bed after having a peaceful and fun lol; but thank God anyway for your job. Regardless, of what season you find yourself in thank God anyway and be encouraged that maintenance required isn’t a bad thing because it helps the longevity of the blessing you prayed for.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,  so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky