Today Steve and I have been married for 35 years! Getting to this point has me reflecting on how those years have unfolded in our marriage. I admit, compared to some, it’s been a fairly easy road with no horrible hurdles. But still, the age-old vows run true. We’ve gone through both better and worse. We’ve been richer and poorer. We’ve experienced sickness and health. We’ve loved, we’ve cherished.
But mostly we’ve experienced the better much more often than the worse. We’ve had our tight times financially, but yet have been blessed – and in more ways than money. We’ve experienced good health much more than sickness. And we’ve definitely learned to show love and cherish each other.
After you’ve been married for awhile, it’s easy to lose sight of these vows as life takes over year after year. It’s then that you begin to understand what they really mean. Discontent can set in – if you let it. Money issues can tarnish the best of relationships – so can raising children if you aren’t on the same page. Health issues will tax a relationship – but can also bring you closer. Showing love and cherishing in hard times is just that – hard! Putting God in the middle of it all is the first key. Remaining each other’s best friend is the second.
My husband is an amazing cherisher. After 35 years, he still brings me unexpected flowers. He knows when to take care of me, and when to let go (that’s an art that is learned, trust me). He’s definitely the more romantic and thoughtful one of the two of us, and he’s far better at the give and take of life. His glass is always half full. I am blessed to have spent the last 35 years with this man!
Here’s to another 12, 784 days of marriage!
