20 Years.
10 +10 = twenty. No matter how I write it,say it or think about it- it's hard to believe I have been Chip's wife for that long!
I cannot say it's always been smooth.The rough areas in the "road" have strengthened us. Has it been all joy walking this road together? No.We have not have not always seen eye to eye.What we have found is that {if you allow it} "iron sharpens iron".I would be lying if I would say that our marriage has been pleasant at all times.
What I can say ? Our LOVE runs deep.Learning and growing together is a joy.We have the same goal, it's not about us-it's about God and us working together to make this thing called life and life together work.
COMMITMENT
verb (used with object)
1.
to give in trust or charge; consign.
2.
to consign for preservation
3.
to pledge (oneself) to a position on an issue or question; express (one's intention, feeling, etc.)
4.
to bind or obligate, as by pledge or assurance; pledge: to commit oneself to a promise; to be committed to a course of action.
5.
to entrust, especially for safekeeping; commend:
Commitment to God first than to each other. Work through the tough spots,never give up.
SUBMIT.RESPECT. LOVE.
Yes I said that "S" word.I said it along with the "R" word and "L" word because in a marriage relationship those 3 verbs are a MUST to make it work- running both ways.We both respect.We both love.We both submit.
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21
COMMUNICATE.
I can say that communication has been a HUGE saving face of our relationship. I credit that to a MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND we attended about 5 years into our marriage.Things we learned over that 2 & 1/2 day weekend {seriously} changed both of us and changed our marriage.
It was not an easy weekend. It was not one of those weekends that you sit in a crowd of 2000 people.It was us and maybe 5 other couples.A very small group! It was not about us getting to know the other couples.It was not about meeting some GREAT well known speakers.It was personal. It was about YOU and YOUR spouse learning to know each other and how to dialogue about it. At that it did!
I thank God for that opportunity!
Last week I was on a walk by myself.I was talking to God.I began thanking him for this man in my life.This man that I feel I don't deserve.This guy who loves me,who doesn't think my dreams are too crazy,who lets me talk about girl stuff and he doesn't roll his eyes.He genuinely loves me for exactly who I am at this time.Encourages me in my strengths and helps me recognize my weaknesses without judgment.Does this man ever raise his voice,get frustrated at me? I have to answer this with "yes" -BUT only when I have gotten so ridiculous that that seriously is the ONLY way to get through my thick head!
I was so overwhelmed in this thought process and right their on the sidewalk I had a moment.A moment when tears were streaming down my face and I am pretty sure God was smiling saying,"I knew before you were born girl-I knew exactly who and what you would need in a man,trust me,it was going to have to be somebody very patient !"
I pray I am the same for him.
Which brings me to that ----PRAYER
There is a card I keep in my Bible,it is a list of scripture turned into prayers for my husband.On the flip side of the card are prayers for me to pray as his wife.I cannot expect that God has blessed me with this man who puts his 100% into our marriage but be a slacker on my part. I have to contribute my 100%.
Chip+Me+God = "Cord not easily broken" Eccl 4:12
In the twenty years together we have
- bought 3 homes (sold 2)
- had a miscarriage
- have 3 beautiful children
- walked through the death of my sister
- walked through the death of his brother
- traveled the 1800 miles between Florida and Pa. 20+ times
- moved from Pa. to Florida
- started 2 businesses
Now before you think I am trying to paint this picture of us having it all together go back and read the first part again. :)
It has not been a perfect 20 years but would I give up any portion of it? Not at all!
I publicly say "Happy Anniversary to my man!"
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