20 years ago…no wait…23 years ago, I fell head over heals for my husband. He was then my very good friend, who turned into my best friend, who turned into my husband. That’s a lot of turning. After three years of courting, we finally got married. And we didn’t have a clue what we were in for. But, who does?
I’m very grateful to have my husband. When I say, grateful, I mean to God, the orchestrator of our lives. Looking back, it’s so funny to see where we came from. We met in high school, a turbulent time for most teens. We were very competitive in a business computer class. He almost always won (he’s now thinking, what do you mean almost?) at whatever we were doing, and that infuriated me! He was silly—I need silly. He was dedicated—I love dedicated. He was headstrong and compassionate at the same time.
When my daughter asks me (or more often than not, I’m telling her and my son what to look for in a spouse) about dating and marriage, I say, “Marry your best friend. Marry the one you can imagine yourself being dirt poor with—because that will most likely happen at one or maybe multiple times in your marriage. Marry the one that you want to tell your secrets to, and whom you know will KEEP those secrets. Marry the one you think of first when something wonderful happens, and too when something awful happens. But first and foremost, marry a person who has given their heart to the Lord.”
I mean, troubles come—we know they do. But, when we both keep our eyes on the Lord, then we are less likely to have our eyes on our troubles, or to be overtaken by those problems.
Happy 20th anniversary to my best friend and the love of my life. It’s been an amazing adventure so far—I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years hold.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
This verse is the one we used in our wedding!…It’s the best thing, marrying your best friend, isn’t it?..Congratualtions to you both!
Love this…and you both! You are a splendid example of a fantastic Godly marriage! Whether you both know it or not, I look to you as an example I wish to follow and now I have. It truly does make all the difference when you are married to your best friend and you both have your eyes on Him… the rest of life’s challenges WILL for sure come and go. But with this recipe for success you will see another 20 and beyond!
All our love and prayers!
Michele and Hector =)