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11 Years

11-years

“I do”…..11 years ago today, I said those words. I stood at an alter before God and made a commitment to love someone and to be faithful. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health. Until death do us part. Upon hearing those statements, I eagerly said “I do”.

When we got married, I was 19 years old. I was immature, naive, selfish, and had no idea what I was committing to. As a child, if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I probably said a wife and a mom. I had no concept of what that involved…I just knew I wanted it. I assumed it wouldn’t be that hard…kind of like the Disney movies we’ve all seen. But much to my surprise, there were no glass slippers, horse and carriage, or singing animals involved. It was real. And at times, it was tough.

As I look back over the past 11 years, I see a common theme. It’s the grace of God. The undeniable and unexplainable grace that only comes from Him. We have seen highs and lows. We’ve experienced struggles that would be shocking to some. We have lived in abundance and we have went without. I can clearly remember sitting in the Wal-Mart Parking lot with $10 to our name, not knowing what we would do. But, God always provided. Even when we couldn’t see it, He was working on our behalf. Teaching us, changing us, drawing us closer to one another, and ultimately closer to Him. The hard times chipped away my selfishness. The difficult situations put things in perspective. Year by year, God has taught us to appreciate one another and be more dependent on Him.

I’m so thankful that God doesn’t leave us helpless. He wants to change us. He wants to help us do better. He wants us to live a life of victory. And if we ask, He will equip us to do so. God knew exactly who I needed as my spouse. He not only saw us then, but He saw us 11 years down the road. He knew where we needed to go and the path that would take us there. So, I celebrate today. What God has done for us and what He continues to do. 11 years may not be much to some, but it’s special to me. I know what I used to be. And I know how far God has brought us. Granted, He still has a lot of work to do. It’s a testimony of His goodness and His grace.

So, I encourage each one of us to look back and remember the things God has done for us. You may not be exactly where you want to be….But you are in the perfect position, wherever you are, for God to move in your life. You’re exactly where He wants you, to receive the good things He has for you. Nothing is impossible or beyond repair with our loving Father! As the old saying goes….I may not know what the future holds, but I know the One who holds the future. And He’s a good God. We can trust Him!!

God bless!