four years

Marriage. Marriage is a funny thing. It's also a beautiful thing. At least it can be beautiful. It's still bizarre for me to say we have been married for four years, and although four years doesn't exactly qualify me as "seasoned," I've learned a few things. 

Kev and I have been best friends since the day we met. We've always had a great marriage . . . but once life gets busy, or you have a child, it is so easy to fall into the mundane routine of work, kids, dinner, school, bedtime. It's just an ongoing cycle. Don't get me wrong, there are sparks of fun and spontaneity here and there, but they can become rare. 

I loved Elder Utchdorf's talk from the priesthood session this last conference. He talked about fighting for our marriages and families. He mentioned how our generation gets bored and wants to move on to the next thing. As much as I'm shocked when I hear of someone having an affair, I can see how it can happen. And sadly enough, it's a common occurrence these days. 

The other day, I had a strong impression to talk to Kev. I could feel us slipping into that mundane routine. Nothing extreme, but just kind of putting our marriage on the back burner. I remembered Elder Utchdorf's talk and I said to myself, "no matter what happens, I'm going to fight for my marriage." I have witnessed failed marriages and it's heartbreaking. 

So we've made it a goal. To date more. To communicate better. To share our feelings. To overcome trials together. To really, really take care of our marriage. I can't believe it's been four years for us, but I can truly say that I'm excited for what the future will bring us. 

I have always loved this quote:

"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by." - F. Burton Howard. 

I love you Kevin Mark, happy four years to us!