Sweet Sixteen

Sixteen years into this marriage thing and I really feel like we've hit our sweet spot.

We have learned so much, yet know that there is still so much more to learn.
(Although I don't think I'll ever learn WHY you put a container with one bite back into the refrigerator or pantry!)

We know each other so well, yet know that we can't possibly know it all.
(It took me 16 years to learn that you are quite the entrepreneur...hello 'Bearded Disciple Beard Balm'"

We know the things that "shout our love" to each other.''
(You like it when I find a place by your chair to set your coffee when I'm rearranging all the furniture.  I like it when I walk into our bedroom and you've already made the bed.)

We are reminded over and over again that we are not exempt from losing it all, so we are willing to keep each other accountable and allow the other to ask those hard questions to keep each other on track.  This doesn't signal a lack of trust.  On the contrary, this is a necessary step for a healthy marriage.

As we sat across the table at dinner tonight we began reflecting on the countless couples who have played a part, big or small, in our lives as a couple.  There are so many people who have helped us become who we are. God has been so gracious to give us godly parents and mentors, and other couples all along the way, from college to seminary, to ministry coworkers all across the southeast, to friends...the list is so numerous we couldn't even begin to list them all in fear that we would miss someone.

So, yes, we have arrived at the Sweet 16 year in our marriage, but not because of us.

Thank you to each one of you who have spoken truth and love into our marriage and character over the past 16+ years.