Playing The Scales - Round And Round

Playing the Scales - Round and Round

DURING MY PIANO-teaching days, I would introduce a particular duet, titled “Round and Round,” to my fourth-year students. It was a very entertaining little ditty, as the children actually got up and walked around the piano bench and traded places at the keyboard . . . while continuing to play without ever losing a beat! Yes—it was a real crowd-pleaser at the annual spring recital!

I’ve come to the conclusion that marriages would be more fulfilling if the partners would sometimes consider playing a different part. Due to changes in the job market or our professions, due to unexpected health challenges, or due to shifting life stages of our children or parents, sometimes it is imperative that we trade places in our duet with our significant other, if only temporarily.

Steve and I recently traded places when we agreed to take on the horrific consulting engagement I mentioned yesterday. We discussed the situation before signing the agreement, because I knew that I could not possibly manage the demands of the client while also managing those responsibilities that normally fall to me in the running of our business and our home.

Prior to the engagement, Steve and I sat down and went over everything from dinner (he would be in charge on the weeknights) to how I would stay connected to our other business and clients (I would work on dual e-mail platforms to stay connected to what was happening in our office while I officed across town). By brainstorming about all the day-to-day machinations that take part in our lives, we were able to come up with a plan that kept our family, business, and personal lives humming; I took on greater responsibility with the consulting project, while Steve picked up family and home obligations.

Because we were honest and clear in our mutual expectations and because we discussed the role shift in advance, we continued to play our duet without ever losing a beat. Not once did I ever feel overwhelmed. And not once did that man fail to serve me a hot meal; even when I dragged in at midnight, Central Market takeout was in the oven.

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. (1 Peter 3:7-8)

What’s going on in your life? Could you benefit from trading places at the piano bench? Consider developing a plan via calm communication before the storm hits.