Post ‘o’ Thanks ::5::

I skyped with one of my far-flung best friends this week, who is newly married, and we got to catch up on life for a little while. It was only my second time skyping and it’s so fun!
As our conversation was wrapping up, her husband (recently home from work) commented on how much they like to spend their time at home with each other, and in passing, I noted, “Well, that will fade a little,” to which he retorted, “Not this couple!”

We hung up a few seconds later, and I mulled over the exchange of words. Yes, when I was newly married, I thought I would always want to hang out with my husband 24/7. And I still enjoy hanging out with him every chance I get. Randy is wonderful and I love him. He is my best friend, my confidant, my advocate, my love. I am so thankful he has an eye for photography and for his business sense. And he’s cute. I mean, really, internet world. It’s true. Especially when he wears his dark jeans and has a camera in hand.

Truth be told, that new excitement does fade for the majority of couples. Why? Well, because the newness wears off as marriage becomes more challenging. Nobody says it’s easy. Heck, that’s why a lot of people divorce. (I send my love to all divorcees and their kids out there!)
Those you know you the best, know better than anyone how unlovable you can be. It’s when they choose to love you anyway that real love begins. Even after you’ve hurt them and they’ve hurt you. When you think you can’t go on. Or you’re bored with how things are. Or you’re hopeless. It’s not always easy to sacrifice your own wants and needs for your spouse. But it’s worth it. It’s what I’ve witnessed my parents do. Even. When. It. Was. Hell. And that can single-handedly make you more like Christ. If you work at it, you’ll see amazing fruit.

Esther, I hope your excitement never fades, even when it gets hard. And for everyone else, here’s to dancing in the minefields. Because that’s what the promise was for. And we’ll be excited to be more like Jesus when we meet him because of it. Loving others. Even when it was hard.
This song’s for you, babe. I’m so thankful to have you. I love spending time with you every chance I get, and I look forward to the rest of our lives together. And to my parents, who’ve danced in the minefields for 31 years. (An anniversary shoot post is coming soon!)

If you’re thinking about getting married. Do it. It’s not always *new* and exciting, but it’s exciting in the wild ride kind of way…