Today my sweet hubby and I celebrate 22 years of marital bliss (well, more like 21 years of bliss and a cumulative total of one year of *#%@*). On my facebook status I shared our "secrets" for staying married in a culture that doesn't really value commitment.
I was trying to figure out how to explain, in one simple sentence, what Rick and I have. I thought about our marriage, our relationship, our family, our faith, our communication, our fun...I thought about a lot of things that are part of us. When it all comes down to it, however, the bottom line is that Rick Hall is my earthly treasure. HE is what is special to me. Rick Hall, the person, is worth more to me than anything else on this planet. Our relationship is good. Our marriage is great. Our family is wonderful. But what matters most to me is the person of Rick Hall. He's it.
As I pondered this, I took a second to thank Jesus for the man that is Rick Hall, when it occurred to me....Isn't that how I need to think of Jesus? M faith is of consequence. My relationship with the Father is nice. My worship is important. My prayers are special. But my universal TREASURE is the persons in the God head. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit...THEY are IT.
Once again, the picture of the church as the bride of Christ is just so perfect. When I'm tempted to think that my relationship with Jesus, or my worship, or my communication with Him are where its all at...I need to remember how I feel about my husband. HE is what matters. HE is what is special. HE is my everything.
Oh...and here is my list of "secrets." I hope and pray that my children (and each of you) get to enjoy spending life with your earthly and universal treasures : )
1. Marry your FRIEND
2. Let Jesus take the wheel while your spouse takes your hand (don't confuse those roles)
3. Laugh...a lot!
4. Kiss good morning and good night and happy 9:00 a.m. and good lunch time and....Kiss...a lot!
5. Figure out how the other person likes to communicate (hours of quiet contemplation before they speak or verbal diarrhea to process their emotions), and then respect that!
6. Respect your spouse...a lot
7. Don't ever, ever, ever talk bad about your spouse, even when everyone else is dishing the dirt on theirs. Honor your husband or wife...a lot.
8. (PG 13) When you're "with" your spouse, be "WITH" your spouse. Really BE there.
9. Say you're sorry, and mean it. Ask for forgiveness, be willing to wait for it, and accept it when it's offered. Then DON'T DO THAT THING AGAIN! When forgiveness is requested of you, remember mercy, and freely offer it fully, with no reservation.
10. And in case you missed it...Jesus is in charge. He's got it under control. Its not your spouse's job to give you a happy, comfortable life. Their only job is to love you as best they can, and stay by your side in the good times and bad. (that's what the vows say...just remember it)
