Song of Solomon 2:15 refers to the little foxes that “spoil the vines.” The trivial things in our day-to-day can rob us of the fruit of the spirit that helps us keep things flowing in harmony. Temperature wars are often raging at our house. Most often, he is cold, and I am hot. We’ve learned to negotiate over the years – a point or two up or down on the thermostat, the sweater’s addition (or subtraction). Looking back, we’ve seen this and other argument patterns over trivial things can increase tension and strife when combined with tiredness or a busy schedule.
A quote, attributed to Ruth Bell Graham, makes so much sense to me considering these little grains of sand in daily life that can irritate – and then escalate – into an argument. She said, “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” Alternatively, I often drive by a billboard that says, “Life is too short. Get a divorce.” It is paid for, of course, by a local divorce attorney. It reflects our times – instant happiness for me – or else! We all know this is a recipe for broken relationships, insecure children, financial setbacks, and ever-elusive peace and harmony.
Alas, the effortless way out is not always the best. Most “little foxes” can be stopped in their tracks and their purposes sidelined. If we stop the “back and forth” and just take space to consult God, He can bring perspective and peace. This does not negate the need for counseling or other more aggressive relationship interventions for tenuous situations. It is meant to help us stop and interject kindness and understanding early on when the “foxes” in our lives are small. Life is too short. Shoo those foxes away.
By: Nan Robertson
~ Christ Fellowship