Sweet 16: Thinking on Marriage

 Sixteen years ago...

Mary Beth agreed...that's a weak way of putting it. She committed with her whole heart to do life with me, not just the good parts of life but all of it: the unexpected parts, the terrifying parts and the ugly parts. She vowed to me saying, "No matter how things go, you will never do this thing alone!" Her commitment has been as sure as the rising of the sun. 

Sixteen years ago...

We began a journey together. For 90% of our journey it's been 65 degrees and sunny: a clearly marked trail, the sound of rushing streams, spectacular vistas and a gentle breeze. Yet, we've also walked through scorching valleys, been attacked by mosquito armies, struggled to catch our breath as we plodded our way in the thin air of jagged mountains. There were moments we thought our journey might come to an end, but it has just begun. While dehydrated in the valleys and straining on the mountain slopes our relational muscles grew stronger, our marital VO2 max increased, and our resting heart-rate improved. The struggles of the journey have better equipped us for the journey. The best trails are on the horizon.

Sixteen years ago...

I fell in love with Mary Beth: her smile, her tiny nose, her gentle hands, her sweet disposition, her care for the marginalized, the contrast of her jet black hair against her snow white skin, her capacity to love, and a genuine ability to empathize...to enter the suffering of others. Many times we tell our spouses on relational marker moments, "I love you the same as I did when we first married." I don't. I love her more. What I thought was love in 1998 was primarily hormones, infatuation and a longing to be around Mary Beth. Today, I've just begun to understand love...a choice to put the best interest of The Other in front of yourself. Most of what I've learned about love Mary Beth has taught me. 

So, Mary Beth...I don't love you like I did that night in Corpus Christi, I love you more. I commit to keep learning to love so that 16 years from now I will love you more than I do today.

Sixteen years ago...

Something began that is not yet finished. Mary Beth, we will see this to the end! I love you!