At dinner on Saturday night, we reflected on the past year and talked about some of our most memorable moments since the wedding. We have had a truly blessed and amazing first year of marriage, but it was not without its challenges. This year brought issues with health, learning about each other's lifestyles, goals and dreams, and figuring out how to stay in tune with God, ourselves and each other.
Looking back on our wedding day and the passages our godmothers read, I am reminded of why Daniel chose Philippians 4. Verses 11-13 particularly stand out in my mind as applicable to this first year of marriage.
"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."There have been times we have not been completely content with my circumstances, and have felt frustrated and fearful. We are learning that God has given us everything we need, and that joy does not rely on circumstances but on trusting in God's perfect timing. Daniel has a way of keeping me calm and showing me patience, even when I feel like the timeline I envisioned for us isn't matching up with God's plan.
The passage engraved on my wedding band is Romans 12, and I find that I am constantly meditating on its words, especially verses 10-11:
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."Honoring Daniel above myself is something I'm in the constant process of learning about. Daniel naturally has a servant's heart, constantly making sure I have everything I need, taking time to make sure I'm feeling okay, cooking us dinners and running errands. He really is a role model for me and shows me how to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
So we are learning. We are learning about each others' flaws, hearts, joys. We are learning about how to find deeper peace and satisfaction in our relationships with God and with each other. Marriage has been really cool and really scary, mostly because you suddenly have someone with you all the time, who knows you better than you know yourself and can truly call you out on the things that you need to work on. But because of that, marriage has made me better. And that has been the biggest blessing of Year One.
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| Anniversary evening at home-a slice of wedding cake, my gift to Daniel and some wine that was a wedding gift from friends to open on our first anniversary. |
