I love weddings. Partially because we don’t take the kids (unless they’re in it, of course) and it’s one awesomely long date for Chad and I that includes dinner and dancing, and I totally geek out over getting all girled up. But I also love weddings because they make me reflect on marriage.
Chad and I had the privilege of going to the wedding yesterday of our pastor’s daughter. I thought about our wedding – I was 19 and Chad was 20! We were SOOO young. We knew this was the right choice, but seriously, we were young. We had no idea what we were getting into, but truthfully I don’t think anyone does regardless of age. You can read all of the books, and talk to all of the married couples – but YOU still have to put in the work, and learn how to fight for your marriage instead of against each other. YOU still have to put in the long months, possibly years to reach the point where you’ve found your rhythm in this relationship that will last the rest of your life.
Chad is the single most important person in my life. When I’m tired I want to curl up next to him. When I’m sad, he’s a safe person to cry in front of. When I’m angry, I can vent to him and he won’t judge me (but he will guide me to God’s truth when I’m all done!). When I’m happy, he’s the first one I want to call and celebrate with. When I can’t handle the kids anymore, he’s the only one I want by my side, on my team, raising these future adults with me. He is the person God created me to spend the rest of my life with, and I will fight tooth and nail to make this marriage not only work, but to be life-giving for both of us. I want our children to want a marriage like we have. I want others to know that I love my husband and would never stray. I want Chad to never, ever doubt that I WILL love him all the days of my life.
I don’t think they make wedding cards that say all of that, but THAT is what I always think of when I sit down to write in one. Your wedding day is a great celebration, leading into a great life of happiness if you are willing to put the work in. If I had to, I would call every bride and groom of every wedding I’ve been to everyday to remind them – the work is worth it and it is necessary. There is no greater relationship than that with your spouse.
So… Hallmark… you need to step it up a notch.