Photo by Jonathan Fitch

I have been married for 13.5 years. I remember when that seemed like a long time, but now that it’s here, I realize how quickly time goes.

I remember back when my husband and I were dating. We were young and feeling “so in love”, wanting to be with each other every single moment. Now, years later, I feel so much more in love, than I ever could have imagined. I never knew that our love could ever grow this way. It’s like when a couple is about to have a baby, you can tell them life is never going to be the same, but they won’t really get it until they experience it themselves.

I think about our wedding day. What a big occasion and gargantuan promises! I did not understand the magnitude of what I was promising, not that I would change it. I thought I was so in love, and I promised to honor and cherish, in sickness and health, poor or wealth, ’til death do us part. When I said those bigger than life, sacred vows was I thinking, “Yes, even if you are unfaithful to me I will cherish you and honor you”? No. I was stuck in this facade that this man I loved was perfect. He may have some little imperfections like squeezing the toothpaste in the wrong spot, but he loves me and I love him and we’re going to live happily ever after.

That all being said, I am VERY happily married. I am glad I promised those things that I didn’t quite understand. Yes, we’ve had sickness and health, poor and wealth, arguments and make-ups, and  absolute selfish acts that make us wonder – “Is this the same person that I married?” The fact is God knew my husband and God knew me. He brought us together. He put us in front of this huge crowd for a purpose. We need their help. We also made the vows to him, to God. We need His help most.

His grace is sufficient for me and my marriage. His grace is sufficient for you and yours too.