The Greatest of these is Love...

This past week (on May 28) my mom and dad celebrated their wedding anniversary. They have been married for 26 years! Anyone who knows me knows that I am extremely close to my parents and look up to them. One of the main reasons for that is because they have always been a fabulous example of love and faith, and now that I am married, I hope to immolate these qualities that I have learned from my parents in my own marriage.  Over the years, here are only a few of the things that my parents and their marriage have taught me:

Love Never Fails
Days might be difficult and there might be pain in life, but above all, love is a choice and if you choose to love unconditionally, it will never fail.

Marriage isn't easy
Mom and dad have a beautiful marriage, but they have shown that marriage isn't easy. It is fun and enjoyable, but there are days that are not easy. However, if you put in effort and care, marriage will last.

Marriage isn't about "me" 
Marriage and love is not about you. In case you think it is, it isn't. It is about loving selflessly, putting your spouse ahead of yourself, and genuinely wanting the best for them. My mom and dad demonstrate this daily. My dad is the most devoted and loving husband and constantly seeks to serve my mom, and mom does the same for my dad. This is what makes marriage beautiful.

Learning to love your spouse is key
My parents love in different ways. My mom loves when you "do" something: clean the house, do the dishes, fold laundry, etc. This is how she sees that you love her. My dad needs time and physical touch. Daily, you see my parents loving each other they way that the other needs to see it. This is so important. You have to think beyond yourself and your desires to truly have a marriage that lasts.

Pray together. Go to Church together.
This is probably one of the most important things. If your marriage or relationship is not founded on Christ, it will struggle more than you know. Christ is the foundation and the center of my parents' marriage and I am so blessed to have seen this example growing up. Christ is not a worldly institution, but comes from the Lord. Therefore, to be a marriage that is blessed beyond measure, having Christ in it is key. Pray together, encourage each other, have times of devotion together...there can never be too much of Christ in your daily life together =)

Mom and Dad:
Thank you for being the great example of love and Christ that you have been. For 26 years, your marriage has been a beautiful testament of faith and devotion. Your marriage has been a joy to others and an encouragement to many. When I got married, I became more aware of the beauty in your marriage and I am so thankful you raised me to see this so I can be a better wife to my husband. I love you both so much and am beyond blessed to call you my parents, but more importantly, my friends.

Love (your favorite)

Hannah

Until Next Time,