What Marriage Means To Me

My husband and I went on a date last night. It was nothing extravagant, just going to a hole in the wall type Mexican restaurant and a movie afterwards. It was the feelings that came from it that made the night unforgettable. As we were driving to the restaurant, we were singing along to songs together (Sweet Home Alabama by Lynard Skynyrd to be exact) and holding each others hand, just enjoying being together. As we park, Kyle says, "Wait here". I was confused, but curious to see what he meant. He comes around to my side and opens the passenger door. I couldn't help but smile. 

We never run out of things to talk about. That's the beauty of being married to your best friend, is that there is always something to say, always something to talk about. 

When we walked into the theater, we never let go of each others hand. When we got to our seats, our hands were locked. Inseparable. 

When people announce they are getting married, they'll receive advice such as "Marriage is hard" or "It'll be the hardest thing you'll ever do",  You'll hear derogatory phrases towards it such as "The 7 year itch" which refers to being bored with the same partner or the lifestyle itself. Or the "Old ball and chain" and so on. 

When people say marriage is hard, don't they really mean life in general? Life is hard. Period. I don't believe marriage was designed to add onto the stress or the hardship of life. I think it is designed to make lives easier. Crazy, I know, but I believe it to be true. God's plan is a perfect plan. He has a plan for all of us on a collective level, but also on an individual level. Marriage is a plan for all of us. He wants all His children to be happy in this life which is our trial, our test to prove ourselves worthy to live with our Lord and Savior again. 

God only provides us things that will make us happy, including trials. Would you rather struggle alone, or with a spouse that knows and understands you? Marriage provides that comfort, it brings about wisdom and strength. Marriage has taught me to be selfless and to learn what love truly is. When you hear the words "Marriage is hard", I would reply, Life is hard, marriage makes life worth living. Life wouldn't be worth living without the people you love. 

I know not all marriages pan out. But those that don't can help you learn what to look for in the kind of marriage that does pan out. We are shaped not only by our successes, but also our trials. I was reflecting on my own marriage last night, with everything and everywhere my husband and I have been, I could only remember the good. I could only remember the joys that we have experienced. I reflected on the blessings the Lord has brought Kyle and I BECAUSE of our trials. I couldn't help but be grateful for them, as crazy as that sounds. I was thanking God for the trials, because without them, we wouldn't be here. We wouldn't be in Houston, Kyle wouldn't have a great job right after he graduated college. Because we endure together, we rejoice together. 

What does marriage mean to me? It is the meaning of my existence. I thank God for his beautiful and perfect plan of marriage. I thank the Lord for allowing me to marry my soul mate, my best friend, and eternal companion.