46 Years and Counting!

Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary. I can't believe how quickly the years have gone.

I have spent a lot of time pondering our years together and wondering "why" our marriage has worked so wonderfully when so many others have failed.

I know that there are many reasons why marriages fail...and some...rightfully so.

 I don't pretend to know all the answers...nor do I feel that I am better than others...for if not for God...there go I.

I do know that for some reason...I have been blessed!

And so, I have spent a lot of time pondering our marriage. What are some things that have withstood the test of time? What advice would I give to someone starting out? What could I share that would make someone's journey a little easier?

And so...here are a few bits of advice that "I" would give to someone just starting out together on an adventure of a lifetime!

1. Respect...always respect each other...and YOURSELF. When respect is lost, it is hard to get it back.

2. Support...support each other's dreams and goals.

3. Encourage...encourage each other even when you can't see their visions or their dreams

4. Have a sense of humor. Learn to laugh with each other...and at yourself.

5. Realize that you are one...but you are also two different individuals. Enjoy time together, but have some of your own interests as well.

6. Be quick to forgive!

7. Don't speak in anger! Let things go. You will not always see eye to eye...if it doesn't matter, let it go!

8. Serve one another...my husband never fixes a cup of coffee or a snack that he doesn't ask me if I want one too...vice versa as well! It's the small things that count! When our children were small, we had a spoon that they fought over (weird item, I know). It was called the "special spoon". Each morning, they would fight over who got the "Special Spoon."

When our children left home, my husband and I kept the tradition going; however, we did not fight over the spoon,, we found joy in giving the special spoon to each other.

On any given day, we might find the spoon in our bowl of ice cream, soup, cereal, etc. It became an object of affection. Each time we receive the spoon, we will say "Ahhhh...I got the special spoon." Find your special spoon! Find ways of sharing your affection

How about you? What advice would you give someone just starting on their journey together?