1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
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| On our honeymoon, May 1983 |
Today’s prompt: IMAGINE
It didn’t turn out like I imagined it would. But in some ways it is better.
We don’t have as many children as I thought we might have in our married life. But what we do have is good. It is like He planned and designed.
Thirty years of marriage is a long time. It has been a crazy and wild ride, but it has been an amazing journey of good, bad, awesome, ugly, fast and furious…but it has been a ride that I would not trade for anything.
But we didn’t get here by accident. No, it has been hard work. There were date nights. And trips. And nights spent in hospitals with kids. There were funerals and mornings spent at the cemetery, remembering what might have been.
Then there was that bright sunny Tuesday morning spent at the funeral home…then at the cemetery.
Yes, thirty years of marriage brings many things…not the least of which is a good friend, a great husband and father, a good leader, my companion, someone to hold me when I cry and when I laugh.
We both had good teachers. Both of our parents have been married for almost 70 years. I know, we are blessed in this area.
Marriage isn’t easy. But when God is at the center of your marriage, it is easier. There will be hard times. Yeah, real hard times. But it is worth trudging through…imagining the better times.
If you are struggling, then say a prayer and hang in there.
STOP
Lord, bless the women (& men?) that might read these words. Give them strength to get through their day. If they are at a rocky stage in their marriage, give them guidance, peace and knowledge of what to do.
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| This is us…same place, 30 years later |
Hi Mary! visiting from Five Minute Friday! I was blessed by your post. My husband and I will celebrate 17 years of marriage this Saturday and although the ride was nothing like I imagined, I am so grateful to have had him with me every step of the way. Continued blessings as you encourage and inspire others with words of wisdom.
Such a beautiful post…and such an answer to my prayers as of late 🙂 He does nothing by accident. Thank you for the reminder.
love the then and now shots…
Love this!! so true. Thank you for sharing and encouraging others.
Yes, it rarely turns out the way we imagine…but often it is better. Love how He manages to do that in our lives
Hi Mary
Oh yes, dear one, marriage is quite a roller coaster ride, but so worth it! I have been married 28 years this year and know how wonderful it is to come to that place where we are best friends, lovers, companions and all the rest!
Happy FMF
Mia
Getting ready to celebrate 27 years and you nailed it with your post today. God in the center definitely makes it easier. Happy 5MinuteFriday!
Life never is as planned but I take joy in knowing that He has a plan and that it is good. I've been married for 35 years and know that God has been the sustaining power and the hope and joy that have held us together. And it's actually been a lot of fun!!!
For sure nothing really looks how we imagine. Love the truth of marriage is hard work. But 70 years is surely a great example.
Dear Mary,
Congrats on 30 years with your man…love that you have those two pictures and the example of 70 years…your faith is so encouraging…hugs to you 🙂
This is beautiful…and such a gentle but encouraging reminder to hang in there, even when things don't turned out like we plan. My life, even just almost-11 years into marriage looks nothing like I would have pictured it when we got married in '02. But you know what? I wouldn't change a thing. 🙂 Thank you for this today…many blessings and happy weekend to you!
Hard work indeed! Thank you for encouraging us all…and I loved your prayer at the end! Sending you HUGS from afar!! xoxo
We will celebrate 25 years in August! Over the last four years we have really struggled in our marriage due to the financial strain of unemployment, losing our home, etc. It's been a rough road. We have learned so much more about "commitment", sticking through the hard times. Both of your parents have left such wonderful legacies!
Love that both sets of parents have been married over 70 years! I'm only on 13, but they have been blessed!
I just looked at your post late Saturday and now it's Sunday but decided to post for 5 minutes. My life as I imagined it would be full of travel, friends, family and a husband who would give me unconditional love along with great times and at least three children. Marriage did ensue but it ended after 20 years and two boys. I regrouped and found that after six years of being a single Mom, I met the man of my dreams. He is still that but there are always ups and downs in life, most significant of all, our spiritual disconnect. We have been married for 15 years now and I still love this man but it is difficult to speak about our spiritual issues. God is in the business of household salvation, so I will continue to be ruthlessly persistent in my prayers for my husband to have his spiritual eyes opened to see Jesus as his Messiah. For now, I am focusing on the positive side in our marriage. God is faithful and I will enjoy His presence until spiritual issues are resolved. Faith is believing in His promises despite what is outwardly evident.