10 Years

Ten years ago Matt and I stood in front of family, friends and God, pledging to love and honor each other all the days of our lives. My great aunt tells me we have at least 40 more years to go.

We were 22 years young and just a few weeks away from college graduation. When I look back and consider how little we knew about our future I am awe-struck. We didn't know where we would live or what jobs we would have. Without a home of our own or even a secure income, we had our faith and we had each other. That was enough.

Slowly but surely God revealed His plan for us. We moved six times within the first 4 years of our marriage. God blessed us with Josephine and Coryn and we dove head first into our new role as parents. Matt launched his own painting contractor business and I managed apartments. There were stumbling blocks along the way, but family and friends supported us with their love and prayers and our most favorite gift of all -- babysitting!

We both worked and saved money with hopes and dreams of buying a house. In 2010 we became homeowners and set to work making it our very own family home. Matt's business was taking off so I was able to stay home with our girls. Then God blessed us with two more daughters, Mallory and Gloria.

Our four jubilant daughters bless our marriage with more love (and tears) than I ever fathomed possible.

Ten years later Matt and I are partners and best friends but most importantly spouses.

We've learned how polar opposite our temperaments are. Matt is competitive and assertive, creative and spontaneous. I am passive and methodical and organized. In our early years there was some definite friction about our differences but now (on our good days) we balance each other.

Matt has softened my rough edges. I've mostly let go of my desire to plan and plot out everything. He's taught me the beauty of not having your own personal agenda (our favorite way to vacation). I am always amazed how stress-free I am and how much better things turn out when I let go of my I-NEED-CONTROL mentality and surrender to God's will, God's way and God's time.

Matt sees me for who I am and affirms me. He tells me I am a loving mom, a generous giver and a burgeoning leader. We are not perfect. We've learned the incredible power of forgiveness and compassion. I never could have planned my life to turn out this way, but I am so grateful for God's immeasurable grace and His surprises.

I love you Matt. Thank you for loving me.