For starters I know I am not old enough for that.
That aside I have a few observations about things I have learned from the experience of being married this long.
You do not lose yourself when you compromise, control your words, go without, set aside your bias or sacrifice because you want the other person to feel love. Instead you begin to know love.
Saying "Thank You" for every little thing matters and is like dropping sunbeams around. Barry has taught me to say "Thank You" for everything. . . . everything. He will fix breakfast and then get up from the table and say "Thanks for breakfast" with a grin on his face. I love this guy.
Marriage is work and it can be really hard work at times. Most of the really hard work in life is the struggle to overcome ourselves. It is worth it. It is worth it to learn to be unselfish. It is worth it to come to realize that the other person does not see the world the same way you do and that is a GOOD thing! It is worth it to learn that making someone else happy is better, sweeter, and more fulfilling than just trying to make your own self happy because then there are two of you that are happy.
I wish I could have learned faster. But I am glad that I can learn and change. I am glad for 42 years to learn and look forward to more learning and changing.
I recognize that my faithful, loyal, and loving spouse is a great gift from a loving Heavenly Father. No words can really explain how grateful I am for this amazing gift that I have never deserved nor earned.
Yay for Anniversaries! Yay for marriage! Yay for us!
