On Sunday, I will marry Daniel.
Marrying him means there are some plans I had for my life that I have to lay down--perhaps forever. But I will marry him anyway.
Marrying him means there are some favorite dinners of mine that I won't be cooking much because he's not as fond of them. I will marry him anyway.
Marrying him means there are some very special people who will choose to step away from my life. I will marry him anyway.
Marrying him means I won't go to the coffeehouse I love as often as I used to. I will marry him anyway.
Marrying him means knowing the pedestal I put him on got knocked over a long time ago. I will marry him anyway.
Because marrying him means learning that sometimes there are other things besides myself which should be important to him. It means loving each other through the times that we want to yell our faces off because each of us thinks the other is being so, so bullheaded.
It means understanding that vowing "till death do we part" means forfeiting the lone escape clause. It means choosing to vow "till death do we part" anyway. It means loving each other through better and worse, even when the "worse" is unthinkable. It means understanding that "worse" can be a tired heart, another love, an addiction, a habitual sin, or a fervent desire to just walk away.
It means laughter and happiness and heartache and frenzy and grief and fear and compassion and empathy and companionship. It means being there through the 19th nervous breakdown...and the 20th...and the 21st. It means watching football on the couch, even though I don't like football. It means chick flicks on the rug, even though he doesn't like chick flicks. It's washing dishes and sweeping the floor. It's midnight feedings and taking turns helping our kiddo figure out the potty. It's seven-year itches and mid-life crises and lovingly symbiotic senility.
But it also means, "it is not good for man to be alone". It means, "he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD". It's, "wives, respect your husbands" and "husbands, love your wives". It's, "my lover is mine and I am his". It's, "many waters cannot quench love" and, "rivers cannot wash it away".
I understand the great cost of binding my life to that of another. But I love Daniel, I trust him, and I trust the Lord's wisdom in providing me such a wonderful, wonderful man...
...so I will marry him anyway.
**********
Happily Ever,
~Ashley Michele~
There is nothing better than being married to your best friend. I'm glad you're going in with eyes open - just remember there are so many things you'll be gaining; devotion, companionship, intimacy, private jokes, determination, challenges that sharpen you in ways you never imagined, I could go on!
ReplyDeleteI've given up many things to be William's wife. The funny thing is, I can't remember most of them. I'm sure others could readily point them out, but that's OK - I could make you a laundry list of ways that he's influenced me for good - I wouldn't trade lists for anything!
I love this, Ashley! I'm so happy that you've found your one true love! I have found mine too and I just CANNOT waittt to marry him! :)
ReplyDeleteHow's married life going? :)
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI knew you were engaged to Daniel, but of course I didn't know WHEN you were getting married. As you have no doubt discovered by now, marriage can be like a roller coaster, but LOVE 'EM ANYWAY!
James and I have been married for 13 years now, and since I've had cancer AND Jaxom, and other misadventures, I know this roller coaster has been tough on my beloved. But we're still together... :-D
Here's hoping/praying you and Daniel will be as devoted to one another... and as committed.
Love,
Jackie