It’s Thursday, the day of Throwbacks, a good day as any to reflect on my first year of marriage. We celebrated our anniversary on the weekend, a long weekend by all accounts. Tuesday was the day of our actual anniversary; the 13th of September. We went away to spend time together out of the rat race and I can tell you now it was much needed. I’ve returned to work feeling refreshed and positive about the future. A future that God is taking us to, and through. I am forever grateful for His presence in all this.
So, to our first year. The year began with the most amazing day of my life, our wedding. A memory that I will forever cherish and can rewatch if I feel like it. And then, the big moments such as moving into a place together, not just living in my pokey little apartment. Mark starting a new job, us beginning the journey of trying to start a family of more than two. (Because I’m of the view that starting a family begins when we say our wedding vows; the Union of husband and wife can be a family in itself).
Learning to navigate each other’s health has been a big thing too. Sometimes it’s hard being married to someone with a chronic illness. It’s like a roller coaster ride, one that I chose to climb on. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love Mark to the moon and back, and nothing will change that. And I know for him it’s similar as my health isn’t always the best, either. We are a pair.
Spending time with each other and each other’s parents has also been an important part of our marriage. My parents get on well with Mark (they love him) and they get along with my in-laws, which I believe is essential. I get along with Mark’s parents as well, which was something I was a little nervous about, as I take a while to warm to new people. But, then I believe it is God who brings the right people into my life, and that makes it easier.
We’ve had ups and downs in the year that we’ve taken on with enthusiasm and heart. I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process, and I know I still have a lot of growing to do as a person.
Getting married isn’t the end goal of a relationship, it is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of education and growth, covered by love and grace.
Marly's World 