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To my Husband, on seven years of marriage

Happy anniversary sweetheart! I feel so grateful and blessed for the seven years we have been married together. 

We got married at age 29 and 30 respectively (which seemed so old at the time!) But although we'd both accomplished many things separately in our single adult lives, nothing had really prepared us for the challenges-and the joys- that marriage would bring. All we knew on that beautiful snowy day was that we loved each other, we believed God had brought us together, and we were excited to begin life as husband and wife. 


We quickly realized that building a strong marriage would be a challenge-filled task.

Some of the challenges along the way have been internal, from our own sinful tendencies: selfishness, unwillingness to forgive, unfair expectations, laziness, etc.. Marriage has been a microscope that magnifies these faults. (I forget where I read that illustration but it is so true.) Yet at the same time, God is using marriage to chip away at these faults. It's an ongoing process.

We've had our share of external challenges as well, trials that left us clinging to each other in tears of pain or grief. I don't need to list the trials. You and I know the heartbreak and pain we've experienced as a couple. At times I haven't known how we would make it. But God has led us and guided  us and we've weathered many storms hand in hand.

We've also faced the challenges that just naturally arise because we are very different people. But I truly believe that God planned it that way. 

  • God knew that one very punctual man would marry one not-so punctual woman. 
  • God knew that a fairly reserved woman would marry a more outgoing man.
  •  God knew that a woman who likes trying a variety of cuisines would marry a man who loves meat and potatoes. 
  • God knew that a woman who enjoys classical music and watching Jane Austen movies would marry a man who enjoys bluegrass music and watching NASCAR races. 
God knew about all of these difference and many MANY more. He brought two very different people with very different opinions, strengths and weaknesses into each other's lives for a purpose. To glorify Him. 

More and more, as I think about our marriage, I see how good God was to bring us together. We have shared many sorrows, but we have shared many more joys and they have been doubled because we are together. I love you and I choose you for today and always. Here's to many more years of life together. Thank you for loving me. Happy anniversary my love. Let's keep building. Together.

Love,

Your sweetheart



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