A Grateful Heart: Love and Marriage

At the age of 28, I was beginning to wonder if I’d ever get married. I’m sure some of my family was wondering it, too. But then I met Errik, and everything changed.After years of searching for love, I was thirty years old when I finally walked down the aisle to pledge my love to one man forever. I know that thirty years old was still young, but in Eastern North Carolina where most girls are married by the ripe age of 25, I was ancient. I was sick of family and friends asking me when I was going to get married. I asked God that same question, month after month, year after year.

I will admit that I was picky when I was dating, but I firmly believe that you should be selective. I mean, the rest of your life is a really, really long time. So once I realized that a relationship was doomed for failure, I’d say my goodbyes and move on. I didn’t want to waste months or years of my life with the wrong person just to avoid the possibility of being lonely. Who needs that kind of emotional baggage? I felt my time was better spent enjoying life so I’d be available when Mr. Right did come along. In fact, until I met my husband, I had never dated anyone longer than a month. 

So when I met Errik and our dating lingered past the one month mark, I knew it was different. Over time I realized how much I cared for him, and I finally told him those words I had never told another man (save my father and other male relatives). That’s right, Errik is the first and only man I’ve ever loved. He is my true love, and he was worth the 28 year wait for my husband. While my high school classmates were attending their children’s dance recitals and junior high school graduations, I was planning a wedding. I finally had an answer if someone asked me when I was getting married. 

This fall we will be celebrating eight years of marriage, and I am so grateful for our love for one another. Like any relationship, it isn’t always perfect, and we’ve definitely had our share of struggles, but through it all, love remains. A love so special to me because I had to wait so long to experience it, for the first time, and for ever. I’m so glad God knew exactly what I needed, and he gave it to me in Errik. He truly is my other half, and he completes me. I thank God for him today and every day.

“Three things will last forever–faith, hope, and love–and the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 NLT

Now that I’ve poured my heart out to you, will you tell me what you are grateful for today?