While I still have a lot to learn, two years has taught me a lot. Some things are recurring realizations, but others take time and maturity to evolve. Below are some things I have learned/am learning.
1) Marriage is God's gift to us.
2) Marriage is not about my happiness or ultimate fulfillment.
3) Marriage is not about my happiness or ultimate fulfillment, it's for the glory of the Creator who created it.
4) Laughter, grace, and patience are vital to everyday life and peace in the home.
5) My husband is not perfect, but neither am I.
6) Keeping a record of wrongs is not only destructive, it doesn't solve anything.
7) Pray together. Daily.
8) Joy, happiness, contentment, love are choices we make. They're hard to find and maintain when they're based upon circumstances.
9) Sarcasm/joking can be funny, but also hurtful. Think twice before you use them at your spouse's expense. Especially in public/mixed company.
10) Be honest. Communicate. Live life in community with other people who aren't afraid to encourage or rebuke you, and will also pray for you and be there when you need them. So, so important.
Whether you're married, single, struggling, whatever. I hope the above is encouraging to you in some way. I made the choice several years ago to live life in the light and to be honest with myself and others with my struggles, joys, pains, etc and it has made all the difference. I truly believe that marriage is one of the hardest, but one of the most rewarding journeys we can take in life. I'm blessed to be married to my best friend, and the person that God chose for me. He's slowly, but surely helping to sanctify me. He also gives me the courage to live out the things listed above.
Matt, I would still walk down the aisle, say those vows, and do this tomorrow, if you asked! Love you!
