Happy Anniversary, Mom and Pops!

Marriage is a sacrament, not a contract.

-Jessie's Grandpa

Today is my mother and father's 32nd anniversary and, wow, is that incredible!! It's so crazy to think that my mom got married at the same age I did and is still loving and staying with my dad after all this time!! My hat is truly off to them. They serve as an inspiration for the marriage I hope to have with my husband. Now, during those 32 years (and 7 years of dating!), I'm sure my dad drove my mom crazy at times and vice-versa, but they always made an effort not to argue in front of us kids and to resolve the issue quickly and reasonably. This set such a great example for us and today, I find myself striving to have the kind of marriage they have.

The quote today is from one of my best friends, Jessie's, grandfather and when she shared this with me, it really struck a chord. Marriage is so incredibly important and is not to be entered into lightly. When you say "I do" to that person, you need to be able to fully commit to them and accept that they come with good and bad, sickness and health... you get the picture. Marriage is not always pretty, but it is always beautiful. There will be times in your married life when you may want to throw in the towel when you don't get what you want, when you find out a harsh truth, or when you doubt God's purpose for your union. But know this: He knows what He's doing and you just have to have faith. Sometimes things go bad so we can appreciate the good times more. What's important to do is to work through these discepancies, not give up at the first sign of trouble. It is not a contract with a simple escape clause; it is God's handiwork.

One of my favorite blogs, Teenage Bride, wrote yesterday about how marriage is supposedly becoming obsolete. People want to have the married lifestyle without actually committing to marriage. Now, I would never judge someone if that's their choice and if that's what works for them, but it was pretty tough to read about fewer couples getting married and relishing in the gift that sacrament is. I, personally, have loved being married, despite how young I am. There is nothing like knowing that you have a spouse on your side at all times to help you through things, support you, and love you unconditionally. To me, marriage and families are the closest we can come to being God-like in our ability to love. A good marriage will always build you up, not tear you down. Even in the tough times. If you push through those, you will find your relationship even stronger with every passing struggle. Stay close and TRY.

Today I wanted to honor my father and mother's marriage and make a pact for my own: to try my hardest to push through the tough times so that I may relish in the good. Who's with me?! Thanks to my married buddies for supporting me and extending compassion and understanding through the ups and downs of marriage and life. For better or for worse...


Holla from Paula!