Last week we celebrated our 9^th wedding anniversary. Marriage is a beautiful gift from God and I’m thankful for having that gift in Josh from God these past nine years. When I view marriage as a gift rather than a right, it totally changes my perspective on marriage. It changes the ways we interact with each other on a daily basis. If marriage is my right then I’m going to spend a lot of time frustrated about not getting all my rights. But if I view marriage as a gift, my heart is turned to joy for the many ways I’m being blessed each day by my husband.

The week of our anniversary we had a friend visiting with us, so Josh and I were able to get away for several hours to celebrate. It might sound silly, but I just wanted to go swimming with Josh. We were able to find a nice pool not too far from our town and enjoyed a lovely afternoon together. The next day I took the kids back to go swimming too.

One gift I’m very thankful about in our marriage is our commitment to honor each other in our words whether or not our spouse is present. The longer we’re married the more important I feel this is, especially as our children get older. I love knowing that Josh is holding me safe in his heart when he talks about me to others. I don’t have to worry about him sharing my faults and weaknesses with others. I don’t have to worry about not being around to defend myself. I know he honors me with his words. And as we grow older I don’t feel like I have to worry about what he’s telling the kids about me when I’m not around and vice versus. That to me is priceless. We’re so refreshed when we spend time with men and women who honor their spouses with their words (even when I know there’s a lot they are leaving unsaid). I want to be that kind of woman in our marriage too. I want to always honor Josh with my words and tone. I would love when I die someday for our kids to be able to say that I always honored Josh with my words. I want them to know that marriage is a gift from God and to see me life that out. May God work in me and help me.

Thankful for the gift of marriage – thankful for Josh.