Forever Beloved

It’s no secret, we rushed to get married. Um, hello…met in February, engaged in March and married in June. If that’s not rushing, I don’t know what is. But we didn’t get married for the reason most thought. We simply were ready for our happily ever after to begin. Oh, how naively we went into marriage.

Marriage is amazing and I love it, but it’s nothing like I thought it would be. Lately, I’ve been thinking of what I wish I had known before I got married. Things that would have made it easier to avoid some of our mistakes and to not fall into the traps couples so often do {us included}. Marriage introduces challenges that couples just simply aren’t prepared for.

Marriage is not about living happily ever after – If we were honest, we all crave a fairy-tale and a happy ending. I know I sure did. The problem isn’t wanting a fairy-tale romance but trying to compare your marriage and your spouse to those whirlwind romances in the movies. Open your heart up to Gods love first and He will show you how to truly love your husband without unreal expectations.

Marriage is not all about you – That’s a hard lesson to learn, isn’t it? Contrary to what the world tells you, it’s not about your happiness. It’s not about getting your needs met. It’s about going through life together and serving God and each other. It’s about committing yourselves to each other, even though you may be different people in the years to come.

The more you put into your marriage, the more you’ll get out of it – Marriage takes a lot of work and time, there is no doubt about that. Realize that straight away and commit to it. Go into marriage knowing your not going to have a 50/50 marriage, but a 100/100 marriage. Give your all because you love them, not because you expect something in return.

You can’t do it on your own – Marriage is difficult. That is obvious when you see how many couples end in divorce. It’s two imperfect people living together, failing daily. The only way to make your marriage truly work is to center it on Christ. God intended marriage to mirror His relationship with the church so that we could basically be a testimony to others and SHOW them what God is like. You have to rely on God for wisdom, power, love and strength for your marriage.

Make time for each other a priority – Make any time together into a mini-date. Whether it is running to the grocery store or a quick little ride on the 4-wheeler together. Snuggle in, hold hands and make that time together count.

This lucky girl is married to a hero.

He doesn’t wear a cape or leap from buildings. He’s an everyday hero in this house. A hard-working, tenderhearted guy. He takes care of his wife and his littles, always putting their wants and needs before his own. He will completely stop what he is doing to help someone in need. And he follows God.

Isn’t that the best kind of hero.

I’m not sure he realizes what a complete hero he is to me, to us. It’s evident to me daily. So I’m here to let my hero know a few things…

I need him. I love knowing my husband will step in and defend me or protect me in a moment’s notice. He would fight for my honor. Inappropriateness, disrespect, ogling…he’ll step in and tend to them all. 

 
My hero. Sigh.

I lean on him. I know the world pushes independent women. And they sure aren’t fond of women that aren’t independent whatsoever. I’m totally capable of being THAT woman but I’m so thankful to have a man I can rely on. If there’s an emergency, I call him. If there’s excitement, I call him. You have no idea how many spiders he has killed over the years y’all (That alone qualifies him as being my hero. This girl doesn’t do spiders). He’s held me while I sobbed over a loss. He’s fixed leaks and clogged pipes. He’s calmed me down when I called him freaking out. He’s calmed my spirit, telling me everything will be okay. He’s my rock.

He is a true hero. Loving me quietly.

I’d be lost without him. I know this sounds a little over-the-top, but it is true. I would be lost without his loving and protecting arms around me. I would be lost without his voice telling me it will all be okay. I would be lost without his body to snuggle me at night.

A great hero. An everyday hero.

My hero.

I love you sweet boy. Happy Valentines Day!