Marriage

     Anthony and I got married on November 7, 2010 - just 3 months ago and it's been a good journey so far (and we only anticipate it getting better :) ) One of the things I'm most grateful for is how much our marriage has helped me to understand God's agape (sacrificial) love for us. I can not think of a better tangible example of this form of love than marriage. No matter how tired we are or how hard the day was, we still work hard to make our home nice and peaceful before the other gets home; we compromise on the things that we want to do to better serve the other person. I have not experienced a love like this in day-to-day life - and God designed it that way. Our marriage has helped us grow closer to God, and that is absolutely beautiful.
     As Anthony puts it, we're on the same team now but we may not always feel up to the responsibility.
     He carries me when I get weary and I carry him when he does - but above all, God is carrying both of us.


     Now this is something on an entirely different note. Let me be real with you, let me explain something, let me ask you a question.
     Since being married I have found that people don't want to hear that we're doing good, and quite honestly, it's frustrating. The most common question is "how are you adjusting/how different is married life?" The truth is, we're adjusting well. Things are GOOD. The transition was smooth - but you don't want to hear that, because when that's the answer you dig for dirt - you're not going to get it. But understand where I'm coming from - I'm used to moving and adjusting to living with new people. Since 17, I have moved at least 14 times (including moving in with Anthony). Like any adjustment - it takes time and there's conflict, but there hasn't been anything tremendous that has caused a big issue. How different is married life? There are significant differences (figure it out), but we're still the same. We get along, we enjoy being married - but you don't want to hear that either, because when that's the answer, guess what - you dig for dirt.
     Can you just stop? All of you? Why is it so difficult to accept that we're doing good, that we're adjusting well, that our biggest adjustment has been getting used to sharing a bed (which according to our married friends, that apparently takes a life time...along with household temperatures). What are your motivations in digging? Check yourself please. Stop digging for dirt and trying to see if there's trouble in paradise. Understand that marriage takes work, but it's beautiful and it's worth it and while we don't always agree on things, we're on the same team and we work things out before they become a major issue. God is in the center of our marriage and we're communicating with each other which is key.
     My husband is my best friend, the love of my life, and the one God chose for me. He helps me understand God's love and Christ's sacrifice more and more, he directs me to Scripture when I need it, he prays for me, he prays with me, he takes care of me, provides for me, helps me, leads me, loves me more than I knew someone could love another being.