14 Years of Marriage

Today is our 14th Wedding Anniversary!
I was 19 and he was 23 when we tied the knot, and people were skeptical. In fact, it felt like they came out in droves to tell us so. They told us we were too young, naive, and inexperienced to make this decision and that we hadn't known each other long enough. They said we should travel instead and that we were crazy for not living together first to make sure we were "compatible," if you know what I mean. On our wedding day, even my hair stylist and makeup artist told me there's not much reason to even get married these days and if you do, most marriages don't last, especially when you're as young as I was.

I'm so glad I remained undeterred despite all the opinions and voices. I believe most of them thought they were well-meaning, but Samsonite-- they were WAY off. Some even said they wanted us to marry other people.

I will always be grateful God gave me the wisdom to seek Him, and the courage to follow His voice, and to do what was right FOR ME. He knows us best. He knows who and what we need to help us grow to reach our potential and a fullness of joy.

Alan and I have created a beautiful, imperfect, very happy life together. Yes, we had some growing pains because we married young and quickly, but we are an excellent match and marrying each other was simply right; it wouldn't have mattered if we were the only two souls on earth who knew it.

What a blessing it has been to have a best friend by my side through all of life's adventures. We've been starving students together, lived in 6 different states, earned degrees, tried business start-ups, made music, and created 3 beautiful children. My heart bursts with gratitude when I think about him and the storms we have weathered and all we have accomplished together. I was drawn to him then and I am drawn to him still. What a true friend and rock solid companion I have in him. Plus, he cooks-- I'm talking Thanksgiving dinner and everything!
 Happy 14 years, Alan!