In the Quiet Places of the Storms: 8 years of marriage

“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper…” 1 Kings 19:12

This morning, June 2nd, as I spend time reading Scripture I am struck by how much I have to be thankful for. This is my 8th wedding anniversary, and I find myself deeply in love and entering into a contentment I’ve longed for all my life.
Looking over the last 8 years, we have been busy and run the gamut of struggles than many get to face over a lifetime. From a month before our wedding when my future mother-in-law nearly died from an infection, to contracting mono, a surprise pregnancy to months of disappointment while trying to conceive, to a family member’s death, issues with sex and raising our children, from financial prosperity to unemployment, under employment and debt, to disappointment in life, people and each other, and now being on the verge of our 9th move in eight years of marriage and awaiting the birth of our 3rd baby who may or may not have complications… We have been living the “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, etc…” part of our vows with intensity.
I think we have fought just about every fight a couple can have. And there have been several times when I’ve been ready to give up and throw in the towel, convinced I didn’t sign up for this when I walked down the isle. We have also had the tremendous highs, when we click and soar together and laughter is spontaneous and life is so easy.
What I feel overwhelmed with gratefulness for this morning isn’t all the good times when we laughed and it was easy to love each other and ourselves, but all these trials, struggles – the earthquakes, fire and storms. I am deeply grateful for these opportunities to see ourselves transparently, to view life honestly and for the growth and maturity we’ve come to because of it all.
When I look back and see the waves of chaos we’ve ridden through together I see how closely God stayed by us and how faithful He’s been to us, especially when we were clueless and unappreciative. I see His quiet whispers, when He didn’t move our mountains for us, but He did teach us to hold hands as we climbed over them together. I see how He’s increasing our understanding of unconditional love, forgiveness and grace, to recognize true peace and to have the stamina for never giving up on what is good or right. He has humbled us and is teaching us about intimacy and just how much we need Him and how much we need each other.

Today, as I reflect on the promises I find in Scripture, and the years we’ve spent together I recognize that all of this good has been possible in my life because of the man I married eight years ago, who came into my life, turned it upside down and has been God’s perfect gift of perfect provision ever since. Today, I am truly content and at peace, thanks to all the storms and struggles – and for that I am deeply grateful and deeply in love.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

“He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart: He gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

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