Look at those kids, taking their first steps into the rest of their lives. That young newlywed couple is my husband and me. This Friday we will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.
The number ten stirs up feelings that don’t seem to go together. It sounds like a long time, but it doesn’t feel like a long time. The years have flown by. But then it also feels like we’ve always been married. I don’t remember what it was like not to have him in my life.
I am so glad God chose this special man for me. I love him so, and I know he loves me. My husband and I could not have known that day the journey those first steps would lead us on. Much of the path took us by ways we certainly didn’t plan on. We’ve had good times and difficult times like everyone else. But through it all we always found a way to laugh and smile together, and God has blessed and protected us.
As I was looking through our wedding album I wondered, “If your 32-year-old self could go back to the afternoon of March 7th, 1998, and talk to that starry-eyed 22-year-old girl what would you tell her? ”
1. Never dwell on the past, savor the present and don’t worry about the future.
2. Be content in the circumstances God has placed you in. Don’t keep looking for the Next Big Thing.
3. Remember that your husband is only human. You can’t expect him to be perfect.
4. Remember that your aren’t perfect either.
5. Think about the words you say before they fly out of your mouth, especially when you’re angry.
6. There is never a right time to buy a house, move, have a baby, or change careers. All you can do is follow God and step out in faith, trusting that if you make the decision he wants, he will honor that by providing for you.
7. Somehow two people adds up to four times the laundry! Ha! 🙂
8. You think you are in love now, but you have no idea the intimacy and closeness you will have 10 years from now. It really does get better from here.
9. Be patient about acquiring financial gains, material possessions and things the world values. God will give you what you need.
10. You both still have a lot of growing up to do. You won’t recognize yourself in 10 years. Interest, priorities and even your tastes will change.
Ah, the wisdom of the ages. To a lot of that I probably would have just shrugged my shoulders and rolled my eyes back then. Oh, well. I learned quite a bit in a decade. I know I’m not finished. I have a lot more to learn. I also have many more happy years to spend with my husband. I’m looking forward to where the journey leads us next, and all the smiles and laughter along the way.
Happy Anniversary! We love you and are so happy for you! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you!
Love Ya!
“6. There is never a right time to buy a house, move, have a baby, or change careers. All you can do is follow God and step out in faith, trusting that if you make the decision he wants, he will honor that by providing for you. ”
THAT was the best piece of advice i received when I first got engaged!!!! i have a cousin who is like a sister to me (she’s exactly 10 years older than me too, married for 17 years and has 4 beautiful children), and she pretty much told me those exact words. She said that if i continually “waited” on things to improve first, i’d never receive the joy that could be awaiting me… and she was soooo right. i have never forgotten that conversation with her, and never will.
…and on a lighter note, I completely agree with #7. and doing laundry is the pits. haha 🙂
Wow, Colleen! I can’t believe that was 10 years ago already! I remember quite a bit from that day and being a part of the wedding party! 🙂 Congratulations on your special occasion!
Happy Anniversary! We just celebrated a biggie too, 15! I loved reading your “look back” tips! They could all be true for me too! 🙂 Love your blog!