Happy Anniversary, Year One

Last night, Ty and I cuddled up on the couch in our PJs, cut into some year-old wedding cake and popped in our wedding photo slideshow.

We had so much fun together in New Orleans celebrating our anniversary. Nice dinner. Sleeping in. Piano bar. But this quiet, intimate moment together, free of all frills, was my favorite part of our anniversary. It instantly took me back to our vows and reminded me of what our marriage is about.

It's not about whether or not his clothes make it into the hamper each day. It's not about the material things you have or strive to gain. It's not about having a clean and perfect house or an amazing meal on the table each night. And it's not about the millions of other things that snag us day to day.

It's a greater purpose that you share. What a blessing to share my purpose with Ty. He makes me so, so happy, but even more importantly, he makes me better.

Two years ago, a dear friend gave me a print to hang in our master bedroom. I read its words nearly each week and am reminded of the greater purpose of our marriage. It gives me the healthy dose of perspective that I so often need.

"How beautiful, then, the marriage of two Christians, two who are one in hope, one in desire, one in the way of life they follow, one in the religion they practice . . . Nothing divides them either in flesh or in spirit . . . They pray together, they worship together, they fast together; instructing one another, encouraging one another, strengthening one another. Side by side they visit God's church and partake God's banquet, side by side they face difficulties and persecution, share their consolations. They have no secrets from one another; they never shun each other's company; they never bring sorrow to each other's hearts . . . Seeing this Christ rejoices. To such as these He gives His peace. Where there are two together, there also He is present."


— Tertullian

I'm grateful for such a wonderful husband to stand side by side with each day. We don't do all of these things perfectly, but we have a lifetime to keep getting better.