a Happy Anniversary

Nine years ago today I walked down the isle in a small church, totally naive and gloriously happy.  The women most important in my life proceeding me up to the front, the man I love waiting for me, my Dad walking beside me... how little I knew!! 

Looking ahead, I did not envision my life as it is today.  Nope.  I had a much different picture in mind then.  I did not envision the hard knocks, lean times, aches, pains, betrayals, disappointments, illnesses, departures, challenges, or dailiness.  My view back then was all sunshine and warm fuzzies... with a dash of "reality" just for good measure.  There are so many thing I would do differently if I could go back in time.  I do have regrets.  Memories that are haunting, too.  Taking two separate human beings and uniting them under one roof is NOT a piece of cake.  At least, we are not innately skilled at it.

Let me see... In 9 years we have moved 9 times, including across the country, have 3 kids and another one on the way, visited 6 countries and nearly all 50 states, been through 7 jobs (if you count returning to an old one as a new job), had 5 cars, seen one parent leave for Heaven, walked through 2 major illnesses, been in the best and worst church situations, and faced a multitude of pressures beyond bearing.  In the midst of all of this we have become very skilled at finding the not-so-good ways of coping...

But, then again, we have experienced some amazing life together too.  For all the negative aspects, there are several positives; memories that still make me smile, and even laugh out loud, I can pack a house while great with child like a pro, our kids have seen some incredible parts of this country they live in and tell stories of our travels together with glee in their little eyes, my husband and I have collected a myriad of inside jokes which outsiders can only roll their eyes at, we have no fear of hopping in the car and taking off to who-knows-where! We know how to make each other laugh, cry, and keep each other sane.  We are rarely without something to talk about, and the best part of the day for both of us is falling asleep beside each other. 

There are things I would do differently, and regrets for sure - but I don't know that I would go back if I could.  After all, the mistakes and regrets have shaped me anew, mellowed me, tempered me, deepened me... the marriage we have now has come out of well worn trials and failures, we've learned the not-so-good ways, but they have especially helped us narrow down the Perfect ways.  Give us another 9 years together and we'll be humming like a well oiled machine no matter how many more moves, jobs, cars, kids or changed plans.  Reality may be more than a "thrown in for good measure" now, but I am still gloriously happy to be married to this man 9 years later.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." ~ Romans 15:13