Yesterday my special lady and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. I realize that for many people reading this, 5 years is nothing - we're still in our 'infancy' in our marriage life. That being said, there are a lot of marriages that don't get to the 5 year mark...but that's not what I'm here to talk about.
It's been a great 5 years. She is awesome, and I am blessed. We're actually quite 'lucky' because we really don't argue all that often...we're generally on the same page with everything. I guess that's what marrying the right person can do - you think the same way, laugh at the same jokes, and have the same beliefs, all of which are important and guiding factors in all of our lives. Having someone on the same track as you makes life a whole lot simpler.
I've also learned that marriage - and fatherhood - is a lot of work. Great, rewarding work, but work nonetheless. It takes time. Effort. And perhaps hardest of all, self-sacrifice. But that last point is huge. I think part of the reason our marriage has been so smooth - among many other things of course - is that we always put each other first. That means that when we're sitting on the couch downstairs and she mentions that she's thirsty, I go get her a glass of water. Even if it means getting out of my comfortable, cozy position on a wonderfully warm couch, and walking all the way upstairs when I'm tired and all I want to do is sit and relax. I do it because she's first. And that means that when I did the morning shift for so many years (pre-kids), she would wake up with me at 4am everyday to fix me a breakfast and lunch. It means you put the other person's needs above your own. (This is biblically based stuff too - check out Philippians 2:3-4, and Mark 10:44-45.)
I know we're only at the 5 years mark, but I look forward to many more years of serving my wife. And to any unfortunately immature guys out there who think that's me being "whipped", it's not. It's the key to a happy marriage. Try it.
It's been a great 5 years. She is awesome, and I am blessed. We're actually quite 'lucky' because we really don't argue all that often...we're generally on the same page with everything. I guess that's what marrying the right person can do - you think the same way, laugh at the same jokes, and have the same beliefs, all of which are important and guiding factors in all of our lives. Having someone on the same track as you makes life a whole lot simpler.
I've also learned that marriage - and fatherhood - is a lot of work. Great, rewarding work, but work nonetheless. It takes time. Effort. And perhaps hardest of all, self-sacrifice. But that last point is huge. I think part of the reason our marriage has been so smooth - among many other things of course - is that we always put each other first. That means that when we're sitting on the couch downstairs and she mentions that she's thirsty, I go get her a glass of water. Even if it means getting out of my comfortable, cozy position on a wonderfully warm couch, and walking all the way upstairs when I'm tired and all I want to do is sit and relax. I do it because she's first. And that means that when I did the morning shift for so many years (pre-kids), she would wake up with me at 4am everyday to fix me a breakfast and lunch. It means you put the other person's needs above your own. (This is biblically based stuff too - check out Philippians 2:3-4, and Mark 10:44-45.)
I know we're only at the 5 years mark, but I look forward to many more years of serving my wife. And to any unfortunately immature guys out there who think that's me being "whipped", it's not. It's the key to a happy marriage. Try it.
Guess we know who wears the pants in this relationship... I'm thirsty, go get me a water... bitch.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Tim. husbands and wives serving each other is the basis for a happy, fulfilling marriage. Men are missing out on a huge part of their marriage commitment if they don't do those things for their wives. And it should be said that she should not have to ask first!
DeleteDan, I SO hope that's a joke. If not, I feel bad for you brother. I hope your marriage is okay, because you've got totally the wrong attitude.
DeleteMike - thanks man! Glad you know what I'm talking about. And you're 100% right, you don't have to wait till they ask!