A Perfect Friday

Merry, merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you had a beautiful & blessed Christmas day, and are enjoying the holidays with your family and friends. I know I sure am.

Today, December 28, 2012, marks the 22 anniversary of my parent's marriage. I cannot believe how blessed me, and all my siblings, are to  have them as parents. It is incredible to think that with about 50% of the population's marriages ending in divorce (and probably more then that are split up) my parent's could stay true in their marriage. I know that in comparison to say, my boyfriend's grandparents who celebrated 61 years of marriage, 22 years seems so small. However, when half of the country's marriages are dissolving after a year or two, 22 years is a lifetime. My Mom has been married to my father for almost half of her life...

So, in honour of my parents, and their beautiful marriage I decided to make a list of things their relationship has taught me. I know some people will read this and consider me and optimistic idealist, but is that not better then being a pessimist, saying that my own marriage to someone some day (God willing) will be something easily dissolved?

Without further ado,

1. Marriage is constant work.

I know that this should be obvious, and entering a marriage expecting anything less would be detrimental to the relationship. However, I think it is something that maybe we hear so often that we forget just how much work needs to go into a marriage.
From the moment you wake up your day is about someone else. Yes, if you have children, it will most likely be mostly about them. But, when you wake up and look at the other  half of the bed there is someone there that you work with and work for.
You work with them to build your house into a home. You work with them to pay bills and make ends meet. You work with them to see that your children are nurtured and loved. You work with them to make sure the garbage is taken out, the wood is cut, the groceries are bought, the dishes are done.
You work for them so that when they get home after a hard day they can have a few minutes to relax. You work for them so they don't feel as if they are running your family alone. You work for them so they know you appreciate them and all they do. You work for them so they can do things they enjoy, like play golf, go to a hockey game or have a girls night.
It is constant work and sacrifice.

2. Marriage is spending every day with your best friend.

Yes, marriage is work, but it also hold so much joy!
The older I get the more I am able to reflect over my life and see how much my parent's lives have altered and shifted. Not in a bad way, but in a way that I find very intriguing.
My parent's don't have a ton of friends. They have a lot of acquaintances and people with whom they are friendly. But, once upon a time, when I was little, it seemed that there were a lot of people my parents spent time with. However, now when I look at my parents I realize that my mother's best friend is my father, and my father's best friend is my mother. I know that that is all they need. Yes, they have people with whom they are close, and talk to about important things, but at the end of the day, when an important decision is made, they go to their very best friend.
I think that is so incredibly important and beautiful.

3. Love is not a feeling.

Infatuation is a feeling. Sadness is a  feeling. Happiness is a feeling. But love...Love is a sacrifice and a commitment. Some days you will not feel in love with your spouse. Some days they will drive you crazy. But, you love them anyway, because it is a commitment, a sacrifice, and the good they do always out does the bad.

4. Cheesy Romantic movies & books can place undo stress.

Yes, there is romance in marriage, but it isn't like those chick flick books or movies. Reading or watching too many of these things can place unneeded stress on your husband. Yes, they are cute and funny and a few are okay. But, you can sub-consciously begin placing them expectations from fictional characters on your husbands, and that is not fair.

5. God is constantly first.

Your spouse has to love God more then he loves you. Not as much as, but more then! If they do this, then no matter what happens they will always have the ability to love God in you. Even when you yourself may be less then deserving of their love.
My parent's place great value in family prayer, and that, no matter what, brings us together. It is so important!

That's all I have time for today, but they have taught me so much more! I hope you enjoy this and have a beautiful day.

Happy Anniversary Dad and Momma!

God Bless,

Emily xo