Keys To A Crazy Marriage

Today, Keith and I celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary. Gosh, I just can't believe we've been married for 27 years! The time has flown by and yet it seems like we have always been together. It's hard to imagine life without Keith and the slightest thought of it brings a knot to my throat and tears to my eyes. 

Just like so many other couples, our marriage has been filled with lots of ups and downs. It's been CRAZY at times and downright hair-pulling on occasions. Emotional and thrill seeking all mixed together. 

Happy moments and sad times

Wonderful conversations and tense arguments

Laughter and tears

Joy and heartache

Words and silence

Passion and anger

Marriage is wonderful and hard, all at the same time. I guess you could say it's wonderfully hard.

It takes a lot of work but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. Marriage can be a crazy wild ride filled with adventure and excitement. The journey together can be fulfilling or empty. It's all based on what a husband and wife are willing to pour into the marriage mix to make it work.

As I reflect back on our 27 years  together, some very important key elements rise to the surface of my heart. These elements are what I'd call the KEYS to a Crazy Marriage. Crazy in love, that is.

1. Patience - May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5

2. Sacrificial Giving - Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38

3. Perseverance - You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36

4. Communication - Don’t say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you. Ephesians 4:29

5. Servant's heart - Serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13b

6. Commitment -  Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.  Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?  And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12a

7. Laughter - .A cheerful disposition is good for your health Proverbs 17:22

8. Unity -  A man will leave his father and mother and will remain united with his wife, and the two will be one...Therefore, don’t let anyone separate what God has joined together. Matthew 19:5b-6

9. Love - 1 Corinthians 13 (the whole chapter is on love)

10. Christ Centered - May they be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me. John 17:21   

All of these keys are important, but if I had to pick just one to represent the greatest of them all, I would have to pick #10 - A marriage that is Christ Centered.

Without Christ, our marriage would have failed before our first anniversary. He is the glue that has held us together for the last 27 years. Without Christ, none of these keys to a crazy-in-love marriage would have been lasting or sustainable. With Him, everything is possible! 
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It's Your Turn:
Which one of these keys are most evident in your marriage? Which ones are missing? How can you begin taking steps to build a crazy-in-love marriage that lasts a lifetime?

Missing Someone This Christmas?

Is there someone special in your life that won't be with you this Christmas season? Maybe a spouse that's in the military...miles away from home. Or, a relative that lives half way across the country and can't come for a visit this year?

How about a loved one who's passed away? Someone that you long to hug and say "I love you". But, only memories are left to hold. Those kind of memories that bring tears to your eyes and a knot in your throat, every time you think them.

Last year my mother passed away right before the holiday season. It was so incredibly difficult to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas without her.

Something was missing.

She was missing.

It just wasn't the same.

This year is no different. Although time has passed, my heart still hurts, when I think of my amazing mom. She always made the holidays so special for our entire family. I can picture her warm smile and happy eyes. And, if I'm really still and quiet for a moment, I can even remember the gentle tone in her voice. She loved singing Christmas carols.

Who are you missing this Christmas season?

Can you picture that person's warm smile and happy eyes? If you're quiet enough, can you remember the gentle tone in his or her voice?

How can we still find it in our hearts to celebrate the season, even when that special someone isn't going to be with us? 

I'm choosing to remember the special moments from past years. To hold onto what was priceless before and embrace what is still  precious now. Those memories that occupy my mother's presence.

The fragrance of her perfume.

The softness of her skin.

The gentleness of her tender love towards her children and grandchildren.

I will celebrate the season and honor her in the midst of  it. I will not forget or try to busy my way past the memories. I will pause. I will reflect. I will cherish.

And, I will know in my heart, that one day. Yes, one very special day. I will see my mother again.

Glory be!

Question: Who are you missing this Christmas Season and why is this person so special to you?