Blessed am I.

Next week Chris and I are headed to Spain to celebrate our 19th anniversary (September 21st), which means we've known each other now for 20 years . . . so technically, it is "the big one" - 20 years together - which means that I've now been with Chris longer than I was without him.   What a privilege.  The growth and progress that we have both experienced during these years is truly astounding.  I don't know if I can adequately express my gratitude in mere words for the blessing that my marriage has been in my life.  Of course, it is through much trial and error, many ups and downs, as well as countless joys and struggles where the greatest growth has occurred.  But most importantly, it is knowing that the majority of the happiest moments in my life have been spent with Chris by my side.

Yesterday during scripture study our conversation turned to marriage and sacrifice within the marriage covenant.  I am so grateful to a dear friend who helped me see clearly the how vital it is to overcome our inner selfishness and truly give all we have to our partner.  I shared these insights, and then was reminded of two of my favorite quotes on marriage that I promised I would post for my scripture group friends . . .

"Love, marriage, and family life are not for the faint of heart.  Loving, intimate relationships require much concentration, patience, discipline, and presence.  Elder Boyd K. Packer notes, “No relationship has more potential to exalt a man and a woman than the marriage covenant. Although marriage is not without trials of many kinds, these tests forge virtue and strength.  The tempering that comes in marriage and family life produces men and women who will someday be exalted" (Ensign, May, 1981, 13).

Supporting this idea Catherine Thomas writes, “God designed marriage as a refuge – two people tenderly caring for each other through life’s experiences – but also as a tutorial in love. Each has something to teach the other and the learning is usually not easy. Thus, marriage, perhaps more than any other relationship – because it is more intimate than any other – is our greatest spiritual challenge and has the greatest potential, along with parenthood, to make godly beings of us (Thomas, Spiritual Lightening, p. 62)."