We were married 14 years ago today.
We thought we knew what we were signing on for. We had a plan. If we would just stick to it we figured we couldn’t go wrong. But really, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. What a surprise it was, once we got married, to find out that we were in over our heads. We thought we were in agreement on money and family issues. Together we have been through lots of mountain highs and plenty of valley lows.
But life doesn’t always work out exactly as you plan. Sometimes it turns out better than what you could have imagined. Through all the changes and lost dreams new ones take their place. And a partnership emerges that isn’t based on some pre-scripted end state but a winding journey that twists, turns and entangles us until we’re one couple that’s stronger than either of us would be on our own.
Money can’t buy this. Material things can’t replace this. Fame or popularity is empty compared to this. Having a happy, fulfilled, blessed marriage, and family, is the most wonderful thing in the world.
For those of you who were there with us (or in the same town but slept through it) on May 23, 1998, and who have been a part of these past fourteen years, I thank you. For those of you who are newly married or facing tough times, keep working at it until it’s right. It can get better. For all of you, near or far, who have trusted me with your friendship, and who have believed and supported me through the years, I thank you. My life is richer because you’re in it.
So, as I sit here in Maui looking out at this astonishing view, I am delighting in the joy of my marriage. I am enjoying the fullness of now. I’m not waiting to live. I am not hoping to live. I am not planning to live. I am fully alive, Right Now. Alive with love, filled with gratitude, and overwhelmed by God’s goodness and favor.
Happy Anniversary to my husband! I can’t wait to see what the next years will bring.
