Nose Rings, Marriage, & Such Things: "I Was Sleeping"

I was sleeping. My nose itched and out it popped. Then I was up and the song Johnny & Donna floated through my head.....

I was sleeping and then- about one night a month, that is exactly what happens! Of course I am not referring to sleep but rather to the self removal of my nose ring. Since I am sleeping I am unaware of what happens first, the movement of the ring or the itch of my nose. All I know is that with the nose ring out, I have no choice but to get up. 

You see the moment that there is a disturbance with the symbol of my relationship, I'm on it. I know that each second of delay in addressing the problem actually adds to the pain and blood to be experienced in the remediation process. For some reason my nose hole begins to close as soon as the ring pops out. This makes replacing the ring inside of my nose quite the delicate adventure as I have to search for the hole amongst the piercing brightness of much too early bathroom lights. But I pray and prod, search and stick, until the ring is peacefully back in place. Why? Because I value it immensely. I value what it stands for. I value the work, pain, and frustration endured to make it to this point. 

There's no question about the value I place on the symbol. It's evident in my response. But what about the value I place on the relationship?

I was sleeping and then- out it popped. You were _________ and then the conflict with your spouse popped up. What sort of response did you give it? Where do your values lie? 

This is really a middle and I realize that I have yet to share the beginning, but that will come.

I was sleeping and then- out it popped. This morning I chose to write this note.

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The time you spend alone with God will transform your character and increase your devotion. Then your integrity and godly behavior in an unbelieving world will make others long to know the Lord.
Charles Stanley