Twenty five years ago, today, I married so far out of my league that it still blows my mind. You might think that’s an exaggeration. You might even be rolling your eyes, thinking that I am just goofy. But the fact is that I married my best friend.
Someone who I considered so hot, it almost made me throw up, just trying to ask her out.I already told the story in an earlier post. (Where it all began) so I won’t tell the story of how we met again. I will tell you how incredibly blessed and amazed I am.
Last night was one of my epic nights. Not in a good way. One where I snored so loud the neighbors were probably considering calling the cops. The kind where grizzly bears run away from the house. Where you have to apologize to everyone in the house. I woke up early and she was missing.
I drove her to the sofa.
Even after the rough night she had, she still greeted me with a smile and affection. Even knowing that today will be a long day, with both of us working and not getting to see each other until late tonight. Even though we have been beat up financially this year and the big cruise we planned didn’t work out. In spite of my epic record of failures over the last twenty five years, she is still amazing.
If you have been following my stories, you know most of the junk she has tolerated and how our marriage fell apart five years ago. You know how sidetracked and angry I got for the ten years prior to that. You know a lot of what caused her to file for divorce and what it has taken to get us where we are now. You know how blessed I am.
If you haven’t been following, you can’t know how bad it was and how good it is now. Not perfect, yet, but so much better than I ever imagined possible. I am humbled to even know her. I am deeply honored to be with her. That ten year stretch where I got lost and took her for granted is just a painful memory now.
Guys, don’t let another year go by chasing things that don’t matter. Honor your vows and make her your first ministry. Love her above all others. Adjust your course and plans around things that bless her. Make her dreams and desires come true. Strengthen your family. Become an example to your kids and community by loving her according to the Ephesians 5:25 example. Love her like Christloved the church. No dreams, ambitions, goals or toys can substitute for the sheer joy of knowing that your life matters because it matters most to your bride.
I am so thankful for the folks that stood by us and helped us through. My family and friends. The ministry at bestmarriage.com. I am thankful for that moment of clarity when I was able to listen and allow someone to coach me. I am thankful that my bride gave me more time to get my head on straight. I am thankful for another year with this wonderful woman who has been so good to me. I am the luckiest guy in the world.
Happy anniversary, Geri. I love you.