18 Years!!!

It's hard to believe that 18 years have come and gone. I have had a marriage that has been blessed to be easy. It doesn't take a lot of effort to just be kind and serve each other. I've shared my best marriage advice on this blog before, but here's my top five pieces of advice:

1. Put the Lord first. That sounds kind of obvious, but if you spend your days honoring your covenants that bring you closer to Christ, you will be brought closer to each other. The Lord will bless your marriage and your home because you are emulating Christlike characteristics. 

2. Serve each other. The world would tell you to serve yourself, but true happiness is in service to others.

3. Don't keep score. Keeping score builds resentment and a tit for tat mentality. That mentality can be toxic. Don't keep score, assume the best of each other. 

4. To build upon #3, show gratitude. Your spouse works hard for you, showing gratitude will go a long way. Say thank you often and express it through your actions.

5. Have fun. Enjoy each other. Take time to foster your friendship in fun ways.

This year we celebrated by buying some new furniture for the patio and our bedroom. This chair is big enough to fit both of us. It is my new favorite place to escape from the kids and enjoy some alone time this summer. When my house gets to full, loud, and chaotic, I lay down in this chair and rest for a moment.