A Happy Anniversary...

Twelve years ago, on July 12, 1997, my husband and I were married. Last night before going to sleep, I read out loud to him a letter I had written just a few days ago. In this letter, I shared the timeline of our relationship and what he had done for me at each stage. Over the course of our marriage, we have had many hard struggles and even a separation. And in that letter, I thanked him for all of the hurt and hard times. Yes, I thanked him.

You see, if we don't experience hard times, God can't help us grow and learn. Everything in our lives happens for a reason. God's plan for us was to discover the real reason for our partnership...for His perfect plan. My marriage has taught me to love, to listen, and to be careful about what I say. It has taught me patience, hard work, endurance, and faith. It has taught me contentment (although, I'm still working on this!), compassion, and better ways to communicate my feelings.

My marriage changes me year to year. And all the changes are good, even amongst a wildfire of bad. I love my husband in a way that I can not describe. It is so much I can't even formulate the words into a description. He is the most amazing man there is. And he chose me. How blessed am I to be with him? Hugely blessed...

I love God's plan for us. I would never change a single thing that has happened to us, good or bad. I will endure all the hard times and tears over and over again, just so I can experience the feelings I have for my husband in a deeper, more intimate, and even more amazing way. If you let God speak to you and teach you, you will be forever changed...we are proof.

Happy Anniversary my love, I am looking forward to seeing where the next twelve years takes us, God willing, and all of the blessings He has in store for our future! You are my rock, my comfort, my strength, and my forever love.