13 Years - A Couple That Works
13.
It is supposed to be an unlucky number.
But not yesterday. Yesterday, Bruce and I celebrated 13 years of marriage.
And it was good. Luck had nothing to do with it - good or bad.
There were no fireworks, or fancy meals at restaurants with large skewers of meat or pots of chocolate. But it was good.
I take that back. There were fireworks. And balloons. Bruce drew some for me on our master bathroom memo board.
It was a simple day, simply marked by a meal together as a family and plans to go out on a date this weekend.
13 years ago, the best man at our wedding, Justin, gave a speech. And in it, he called us "a couple that works." I've reflected on this description a lot over the years and think he meant that, even though we weren't obvious choices for one another at the time (to anyone but us that is), we still made sense together to those who knew both of us well.
I truly believe that statement is as true today as it was 13 years ago. Bruce and I are not perfect, but we are perfect for each other. His strengths are my weaknesses and my strengths his weakness. And with each passing year, we get better at relying on one another to fill in our own gaps.
And isn't that a big part of what marriage is about? If you are married, how do you fill in the gaps for one another?
It is supposed to be an unlucky number.
But not yesterday. Yesterday, Bruce and I celebrated 13 years of marriage.
And it was good. Luck had nothing to do with it - good or bad.
There were no fireworks, or fancy meals at restaurants with large skewers of meat or pots of chocolate. But it was good.
I take that back. There were fireworks. And balloons. Bruce drew some for me on our master bathroom memo board.
It was a simple day, simply marked by a meal together as a family and plans to go out on a date this weekend.
13 years ago, the best man at our wedding, Justin, gave a speech. And in it, he called us "a couple that works." I've reflected on this description a lot over the years and think he meant that, even though we weren't obvious choices for one another at the time (to anyone but us that is), we still made sense together to those who knew both of us well.
I truly believe that statement is as true today as it was 13 years ago. Bruce and I are not perfect, but we are perfect for each other. His strengths are my weaknesses and my strengths his weakness. And with each passing year, we get better at relying on one another to fill in our own gaps.
And isn't that a big part of what marriage is about? If you are married, how do you fill in the gaps for one another?
Something that I have to remind myself is to have mercy and grace.
ReplyDeleteI hear you Nikki! Regularly I have to remind myself that I am not perfect and I shouldn't expect my husband to be either.
ReplyDeleteI'll point out that you wrote the "Happy 13th Anniversary" and drew the heart on the tile. I merely added the fireworks and balloons.
ReplyDeleteFor your readers, it might be interesting to mention that we used to have "A couple that works" printed on our bank checks. It's been our semi-official motto since the beginning.
But, I'm not sure I'd agree with your claim "that statement is as true today as it was 13 years ago." I think it's more true.
Bruce
My husband and I are like this. He tells everyone he meets that I have made him a better person and still am. He certainly has helped me be a better person. We suit each other well. It surprises everyone except my mother. We have our issues, but we work well together to solve them. We've been together 4 years, married 3. Looking forward to 13!
ReplyDelete@Bruce - You are so sweet!
ReplyDelete@Shadowfire - Sounds like your hubby is sweet too. I think if we help our spouse be the best version of themselves then we are doing our part.
Happy Anniversary
ReplyDelete