Yesterday was the 10 year anniversary of Gary asking me to marry him. When he asked me, it was so surreal. I knew it was going to happen but I felt like we were acting. I think I responded with `This is so crazy!' instead of `Yes!'.
{At Green Lake the day after getting engaged}
We had a rocky dating relationship (we broke up twice) and I'm so thankful that we worked through it. I knew one week into dating that we would get married and he wasn't as, uh, convinced. So today's `Thankful Thursday' is a different one.
In my marriage with Gary, I am thankful for:
1. His patience. I'm a little more moody than he is. I get worked up. I get ideas. I get irritated. His calm response can bring me back to normal or at least in that direction.
2. His cooking skills and his desire to show his love to me through it. It took me until year 8 to understand that this is him saying `I love you'. I'm so thankful that he supports my/our new way of eating.
3. His superdad skills. I'll admit it, he's more fun.
4. The desire for both of us to work on our marriage. We are now in the best place we've been. I know it won't stay this way. Now that we know we can work on it and see great results, it will help us the next time we find ourselves in a rut.
5. A solid foundation. We both believe that God brought us together and continues to work in and through us.
6. His faith in me. He pretty much thinks I can do anything except become an Olympic athlete. This was a real conversation by the way. Ask me about my shot put and discus skills one day...
7. The fact that he always finds me attractive. I never doubt it.
8. Each of us being able to take leadership. We each enjoying being leaders and so somehow we have worked it out that we know when to lead and when to follow. I have definitely learned not to `lead' while he is driving.
9. His openness to my ideas. Adoption. Fostering. Traveling. Renovating. Removal of refined sugar...
10. Both of us being open to growth. Desiring it. Seeking it. As parents, spouses, friends and believers.
I honestly had no idea it would be as hard as it is at times but it's so worth it. I think we make a great team and there's no one else I'd rather spend my time with.
Have a happy and thankful Thursday.
Love,
Louise
PS As always, please leave a comment letting me know what YOU are thankful for today!
I love this post!! So fun! I felt like k was saying "YES" to every single thing you said. I feel like our marriages might have similar strengths and struggles.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for a hubby who is willing to hep my family...even if it means I am alone with the kids for 15+ hours today!
Lael, thanks! I think many marriages probably struggle with the same things, it's good to know we're not alone. Yikes, 15 hours is a long time with two kiddos, hope today is a good one and your kids stay healthy!!
DeleteGreat 'Thankful Thursday' post! I am thankful for how my husband has provided for our family for 35 years.
ReplyDeleteCarol-that is definitely something to be thankful for. A great provider.
DeleteGreat edition of TT! Funny how it took you so long to finally date him yet you were the one who knew you would get married :)
ReplyDeleteToday I'm thankful for my job. I love being a dairy farmer. Cows are awesome creatures, and seeing Gods handiwork in every single calf born is the most amazing thing. I am so thankful. Adrienne
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for days out as a family. Our house is a mess because of it, but I love the quality time together. And that Myles naps well in the car :)
ReplyDeleteLynn W
Great list! Congrats on the 10th Anniversary of the Big Question! :) I had the same thought as Katrina, remembering how you had mentioned that you were hesitant about dating, and yet you knew so soon into the relationship!
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband asked me, my first response was "when did you get that?" hahaha We had looked at rings, but I didn't know he had bought one for me!
Lori-Anne