YEAR TEN

(Can you spot our little photobomber? I was gonna crop it, but then decided how much I loved it!)

This February marks 10 years since Marcus and I got engaged. I remember everyone told us that the first year of marriage would be the BEST year of our life. We quickly hoped it wasn’t “the best” because our first year of marriage we had a lot of growing up to do and learned how to live with one another. But let’s face it-I had never lived with a boy before! Luckily, he had 4 sisters, so he already knew a little more than I did coming in. Our first year was HARD. We’d both tell anyone that. But by our second year, we quickly fell into a rhythm and never looked back. Over the years we’ve taken on new roles and interests and it’s been so great to have someone alongside for it all. Some couples say they’ve never argued. Kudos to those couples! But through our relationship I’ve learned what I need to work on, how to be patient, how to listen and be more understanding. Practice kindness and I’ve truly learned how to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.

Two weeks ago as we were traveling home from Seattle, we hit a huge snowstorm. What should have taken us 3.5 hours to get home took us six!  We drove 45mph the whole way. We hit a patch where chains were required, and I watched my husband brave the freezing temperatures and blowing snow so that us girls could stay warm in the car. I asked Marcus if he had ever put chains on before and he responded, “I watched a YouTube video of it once!” We both laughed and by the time he got back in the car he was covered in snow. I was so relieved he had the prompting to buy chains before we left, but more importantly, that we’ve learned to laugh during difficult challenges.

The next day he helped with the grocery shopping, attended church meetings, stayed up till midnight to wash the sheets of our sick child, and then put together a Sunday meal for us at the last minute. All of these situations were not ones I had thought about when marrying a companion. I didn’t know that these “qualities” were the ones I should have been looking for. My “husband list” contained many superficial items such as: a short last name, likes sports and ice cream, and has blue eyes. I’m so grateful the Lord knew the type of partner I needed and led me to someone who is willing to get down and help with our children, makes it a priority to attend church meetings, wants to provide-but more importantly, protects us for our safety, and doesn’t think twice about cooking a meal.  The Lord new what I wanted, but also what I NEEDED. And I know he isn’t perfect, but this imperfect being is perfect for me.