What is will (really)?
Will is not “I feel like it.” It is choosing one small step now, even when tired. Example: you get home and want to scroll; will says, “5 minutes to look at you, listen, and say one specific thank-you.” Will doesn’t shout; it chooses. It turns “someday” into “today.” And God helps: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13, NIV). “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23, NIV).
Where real life jams us up
Tired: we get sharp. Money: we shut down. Kids: we’re drained. Phone: we avoid each other. Distance grows. Will cuts it short: name your energy (“I’m at 60%”), keep one mini-commitment that doesn’t depend on mood: 10–15 face-to-face minutes, phones away, one specific thank-you, one simple question (“what do you need for tomorrow?”), a quick repair if a word went too far.
How-to (practical and doable)
1) Fixed slot (15 min, 3 nights/week).
2) Turns: 2 minutes each, no interruption; listener reflects back in 1 sentence.
3) Short truth: one fact + one need (“I’m worried about… I need…”).
4) Specific thanks: “thanks for the call/dishes/kid pickup.”
5) Fast repair if needed: “sorry for my tone; let me start over gently.”
6) One-line prayer: “Lord, give us gentleness and courage today.”
“Small step now” examples
After work: park the phone for 15 min. With kids: team up for bath/homework 20 min, then 5 min just you two. Money: list 3 expenses to freeze + do one action tonight (cancel one subscription). Conflict: lower adrenaline (water, breathe 60 sec), talk without “always/never,” ask for one realistic thing.
This week’s challenge — “3×15 Now”
Goal: 3 sessions of 15 min this week. Rules: no screens; each says 1 gratitude, 1 need, 1 small act to do within 24 h. Close with a one-line prayer. Bonus: mark the date on the fridge; at the 3rd mark, celebrate with tea/a hug/a short walk. Will isn’t flashy; it’s repeatable. What matters is small and steady. God supplies the power; you choose the step.