The Seven Year Itch?

Seven years ago I got to marry my best friend. It was an absolutely perfect day.

But really it's everything that happens after that day that matters right? I think that so many people look forward to getting married that they lose sight of the fact that the marriage actually begins after the wedding day. We dream up magical, perfect wedding days and forget that marriage is more than that. It's a life-time of learning, of sacrifice, of struggle, of learning to communicate with someone completely different than yourself; but also it's a lifetime of companionship, closeness, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. After the wedding day the real works begins - and it's great! Marriage is hard work but if your willing to do the work it is worth every second of it.

They say that around seven years of marriage is when couples start loosing interest in each other - the Seven Year Itch. I think, though, that it is just around 7 years that you really start to work out some of the major kinks. I think that is when marriage really has the potential to soar!

One of the things I love about Justin is that he not only is committed to me but he is committed to marriage. That becomes very important on the days where I may not particularly be his favorite person in the world - even the days when perhaps I don't deserve his love or commitment per se. It's then that his commitment to marriage holds him true to me, to us, and what we vowed seven years ago.

I think that too many people these days kind of embrace the "garbage disposal" mentality when it comes to marriage. "Well if it doesn't work out I can just throw it away and get a new one." Where are all the people who are committed to marriage? Committed to making marriage work! It doesn't happen on it's own. It takes work! A lot of work. But the reward for giving of yourself completely, of learning to forgive, to meet half way, of thinking of someone else first has pay-offs way beyond measure.

It has to be one of the most reassuring things in the world to be married to someone who knows the ugliest, worst parts of yourself and still stays with you, and still loves and adores you. I'm so thankful for a husband who loves me through it all and has a deep and true understanding of commitment.

Here's to making it to the "seven year itch" and way beyond! Here's to looking to forever.

Comments

[Grandmere]

Seven Years! That went fast. I have great memories of that most beautiful, glorious day. The temple sealing was beautiful. The breakfast so nice, the reception so lovely, and the weather was perfect. You two even look younger and even in better shape than you did then! And now you have three precious jewels in your crown of glory. You are a fabulous couple, so supportive of each other in every facet of your lives. Congratulations! Here's to Eternity.