Marriage Monday - The Surprise of Christian Marriage

Marriage Monday is a new post I have discovered in blog world. It is hosted today by Lynn and the topic discussed today is "The Surprise of Christian Marriage".

My hubby and I will celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary in July. WOW! How time flies when you are having fun!!! Seriously, time has passed so quickly. Our children are grown, married and now we are grandparents.

Marriage is a tough assignment and if someone tells you otherwise I am not certain they are being completely honest about the journey or else they are still on their honeymoon!

Bobby and I were married very young. We were high school sweethearts and married a month after I graduated from high school. The following month we left to attend Bible College in another state. Those were extremely challenging years. Not only were we young and immature, but we were trying to adjust to marriage, college, living in another state and ministry!

Just because two Christians decide to marry doesn't mean you will be exempt from challenges, stress and heartache. Life happens and Christians are faced with trials just like anyone else. The one significant difference in our lives - we have Jesus.

If I have to identify a "surprise" about our marriage it would have to be the fact that I had absolutely no idea ministry would be so difficult. Many times the stress of ministry overwhelmed both of us and it created so much stress in the early years of our marriage . But as the years passed we have learned to be a support for one another and that is extremely important. Ladies, pastors deal with so many challenging issues and they need someone who will listen to them. If we are not that person they may find someone else who will.

I am very involved in our ministry and we confide in one another. Friday nights are our "date night" and we try very hard to keep that as a sacred time together. Life gets very hectic and you need time to simply enjoy each other's company and reconnect after a busy week of events.

There are many challenges that come along with ministry but through the years those challenges have made our marriage stronger. We have learned to trust God in all circumstances. Praying together and allowing God to guide our next step has certainly been the answer to many situations we have faced.

The one thing I realize after all these years is that I love my husband more today than the day I married him. As each year passes my love grows even stronger. He is my best friend, an awesome father to our children, an incredible grandfather and the love of my life. I cannot imagine my life without him.

Blessings!