We all have a can of WD-40 in our home somewhere — you know, that wonder spray for squeaky door hinges and rusty bike chains. But did you ever stop and wonder what WD-40 stands for? The “WD” means “Water Displacement.” Underwhelming, I know. But the “40” represents the number of times it took to create the perfect formula. In other words, chemists experienced 39 failures before their one success. Pretty neat, huh?
That story prompted authors Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott in their book Your Time-Starved Marriage: How to Stay Connected at the Speed of Life to ask what would happen if we applied that keep trying until you get it right mindset to marriage? They say if we did have that attitude, we’d accept that sometimes it takes lots of failures to finally achieve success with our marriage issues. Here are 3 ways to fix your marriage issues with WD-40.
Learn to Appreciate Failure
I can’t stand failing. After putting my time and energy into something, the last thing I want is to meet disappointment. Why? Because somewhere along the way, we’ve allowed our failings to define us as failures. But the truth is that only God has the power to define us. And in His eyes, we are beautiful, capable, loved, and cherished.
So instead of avoiding failures, appreciate the way they can push you to rely on a trustworthy God and ultimately push you to find the solution to your marriage problems.
Learn to Never Give Up
What if scientists had stopped after 39 attempts at a water displacer? WD-40 wouldn’t exist! Now when it comes to our marriages, do you ever wonder what you’d miss if you gave up trying?
Yes, we crave immediate results. But I promise that the best results come when we patiently refuse to give up. So don’t give up on loving your husband. Stick it out through the tough times and don’t believe these 4 marriage myths that can prompt you to throw in the towel.
Learn to Remember Your Successes
I don’t know about you, but I have a bit of a selective memory. And so, of course, when I’m in a bad place, I remember everything that has gone wrong in my marriage instead of remembering everything that has gone right. RED ALERT: This is a dangerous mindset to have!
Instead of allowing your mind to wander down the path of past failures, change direction and steer yourself to remember your successes. Remember the time you and your husband worked through money issues as a team. Remember how you united to help your struggling child. Remember that even the best marriages can use the “try, try again” lesson of WD-40. What about your marriage, could you use a little WD-40?
