Happily Ever After

Princess stories commonly end with the girl marrying the prince and living happily ever after.  In real life, Lord willing, our story doesn't end after the wedding, but it is just beginning.  We have many more days to learn about each other and to experience life together.  Some of these days may be big and exciting, but most days are just average days that aren't all that exciting.  Life brings challenges, triumphs, chores, and changes, and we face those together.

Some days we have big things to deal with such as an unexpected repair or exciting news of a baby on the way.  These big changes and challenges cause us to think about who we are and what we are doing.  We may need to reevaluate and change habits.  Our family has had to make some changes to our spending since we went from a two income household to a one income household.  We have had to evaluate what is most important and needed, and give up some things that are not needed.  These challenges should cause us to grow closer together as we work together to solve problems, make changes, and continue on the path before us.  We can use these opportunities to help us encourage one another and grow in our walk with the Lord.

Most days are much more ordinary.  We find ourselves in a routine of doing the same things each day.  These days can be easy.  We know what we are doing and the routine doesn't change.  I don’t always handle change well, so I like that my days are predictable.  These days can also seem monotonous when nothing changes.  We sometimes need to make an extra effort to encourage each other and help us in our spiritual growth.  I definitely ran into a wall this week.  I just felt like I was failing at everything I was trying to do, and like I was letting everyone down.  My husband was there to encourage me and help me to continue on.  It feels like this is where we learn more about each other and grow closer as a couple.  We see each other not only in the extreme highs and lows, but also in just regular, everyday life.  

Each day we should be seeking to draw closer to God and encourage our spouse to do the same.  My husband is a great encouragement to me, but sometimes my husband needs encouragement as well.  He is working hard to provide for our family, and there is a lot of pressure on the family provider.  There are also many demands as he is responsible not only for his job, but also for caring for his wife and children.  His job can take him out-of-town, making it harder for him to care for his family.  He makes a point to call us each night he is out-of-town, but it’s still not the same as being present.  He does the best he can to handle his responsibilities from a distance, and spends a lot of time on the phone making sure everything is taken care of for work, home, and friends.  Like anyone, he has days that I need to put myself aside to be the helper that he needs.  When he calls and asks me to do something for him, I need to get it done so he doesn’t have to worry while he is gone.  Even when he is home, he needs my support and encouragement, especially when we are making decisions for our family.

Everyday life changes us.  We learn and grow as we make decisions and face challenges.  As husband and wife solve problems together, they learn more about each other and grow closer together.  We must be intentional about allowing the ups and downs of life to draw us closer to God and to one another.  We must often put aside our own desires in an effort to help and encourage our spouse.  Marriage is the beginning of a great adventure, and happily ever after is up to us and the choices we make.