Forever Friends

As Rob and I approach our 20th wedding anniversary (this summer - celebrating at Disney without kids!!!!), memories seem to pop into my mind unbidden. Some years have been fantastic. A few seasons, I'd love to forget. Somehow, through the ups and downs, we always come back around to "us."

We didn't get here by accident. We're here because we know that marriage is more than an action, it's a covenant. Our wedding vows were our holy promise to God to always love. Always.

We understand that our actions are not our hearts. When I mess up, Rob finds a way to help me through until I regain my equilibrium. When he gets funky, I generally am the first to notice. We pray each other through. We put up with the junk, knowing that someday it will pass.

We know that dreams matter. Rob's dreams of mission work, his desire for business ownership, and even his dreams of fancy chef knives matter to me. My dreams to write, travel, and teach matter to him. We cheer each other on.

We forgive often and let it go. Rob's better at this one than I am, I must confess. I can hold a grudge, but I am learning! Those ugly moments always lead us to a greater understanding of one another.

We don't look back. We don't look around. We look up. Our marriage will never look like anyone else's. Our early years - the simple times with no major responsibilities - aren't coming back... not with three kids and all that they encompass! God gave us to one another; we look to Him.

We pray. Prayer is the glue - it draws us closer to God. He draws us closer to each other. When the journey hits a bump, we can look at our prayer life and see that we've slacked off. God wants us to succeed. Satan doesn't. Prayer makes the difference.

Dear God, Thank you for my husband. Thank you for developing an interest in the things that interest him. Help me become a better support to him for his career and his dreams. Help me always to honor and respect his work for our family. Bless him today in his work and fill his heart with dreams for the future. Thank you for being our glue. Stick with us, Lord, we have a long way still to go! Amen