reflecting on 10

10 years. May 25, 1996 Rob and I were married. It seems like just yesterday, yet a lifetime ago all at once. Looking at our wedding photos, we look like a pair of kids. We were - just 21 and ready to take on the world.

So much has changed for us in that 10 years. Who knew Rob would be in ministry. Oh wait, we kind of did know...but were playing dumb. I have a really clear memory of our first full day together in our apartement after getting home from our honeymoon. Just kind of standing there, thinking...so now what? It was so strange, knowing neither of us was going 'home' at the end of the day. Yet not really feeling fully 'home' together. Combined with having next to no furniture, it did make things feel a little strange.

We were warned that the first year of marriage is hard. It really wasn't. Sure, it had a few bumps, but I wouldn't call it hard. We learned to fight, even though we really don't fight. We disagree, but we don't get all heated in argument. That is because Rob doesn't do well with yelling, and I don't do well with avoiding. We learned that together.

We learned that change can be hard, but is made easier when we work together to move through change. To lean on each other, to talk things out, to laugh about it together. We have had some stressful times, but thy have brought us closer when they could have easily pushed us apart.

He is my best friend, and I can't imagine my life without him. Literally cannot imagine life without him. We have fun together, we challenge each other, build each other up, bring joy to each other.

Recently, we were driving somewhere with the kids, and were reflecting on our marriage. It was the day after our 10th anniversary. I asked Rob about rough patches in our marriage, when he thought they were. He said that he didn't think we had them. I think he's right. We easily could have had hard times, but we didn't let them get beyond us. We turned to each other, and more importantly, to God. He is the foundation upon which we have tried to build our marriage. I pray that the next 10 years are as good, if maybe a bit less change-filled.

I'm beyond thankful for the 10 years of marriage we have had. For the man that I have walked down this path with. I truly believe he is the right man for the job.