Today Gabe and I are celebrating 7 years of marriage.
Each year, the one behind us looks very different from the year before, and we realize more each year how LITTLE you actually know about marriage until you are in the depths of it. We both are continually learning from each other, from our children, and the great examples of marriages of some of our peers and mentors. I don’t think you can ever fully prepare for what marriage holds, but if you are lucky enough to find someone who is willing to always seek the best for the other, chances are, you will do just fine. You may even end up ridiculously happy. Gabe has never given up on loving me through my best and my worst moments, which continues to encourage me to reciprocate the same level of love. The consistent, never waning love through the both the highs and lows is what mounts up to an intimate history that you share only with your spouse. Ultimately, that is the best gift of marriage. A love that holds each other. A love that never gives up or gives out, and changes your personhood for the better…

We were able to celebrate last night with a fancy date, but today has been quite simple. We were laughing over the fact that our first few anniversaries involved detailed homemade dinners, breakfasts in bed, hidden surprises, and well prepared gifts….
Not today. We got up in a rush to head out to church, celebrated a special little two year old’s birthday with friends, family naps ensued, cleaning up party messes, making dinner, cleaning up more messes, going through bedtime routine, and now winding down the day with our feet up with plans for a movie marathon if this exhausted pair can make it through even one. However, there were some handmade cards exchanged, as well as many glances of gratitude, love, and admiration. There were small gifts exchanged after being prepared in haste, but never have they meant more. How different this 7th anniversary looks from our first, but we agreed that the level of happiness is deeper than its ever been. I don’t think I’d ever rewind the clock. 

We both are counting down the days till the new little baby this year of marriage will bring, as well as watching this year’s milestones of our children together. I look forward especially to the every day routines we have developed over the years. 7 years ago, walking down the aisle towards Gabe, I realize I only had a glimpse of what marriage really looked like, but it was enough to know fusing my heart to his would be the best YES I would ever give. You never stop choosing to say yes in your marriage, and they mean more each day than that very first.

Gabe doesn’t have social media (I kind of like that about him), but he does read IHOD, so as I type this post and my throat swells up with gratitude, I hope he catches this on our 7th anniversary, and picks up through the lines, just how deep that love and gratitude goes. 😉

*Other posts we have written on marriage: Dating through your marriage, keeping the flame lit, and one habit we commit to.

*Photos taken in the last few weeks by family or with my iphone. Wedding photo by TimWill.