While I’ll give it to you that speaking out of 14 years of marriage is not nearly the same as speaking out of the experience of some who have 25, 30, or even 40 years of marriage, it does at least get me out of the gates and past the level of novice. So while by no means have I arrived, we have traveled enough ground together that I’m able to speak from some really exciting wins and conversely some painful losses as well. So here are 14 simple lessons, in no particular order that I’ve learned in the past 14 years of marriage (and yes, all 14 of those years are to the same woman).
1. Never buy a house without your wife actually walking through it.
2. Hands down, the best thing I do on a regular basis for my wife is the dishes.
3. I’m still coming to the understanding that my selfishness knows no bounds.
4. Marriage is a lot like my golf-game, it’s better when I don’t keep score.
5. You can’t get to the really good stuff without experiencing some real pain.
6. But on the other hand, avoiding pain isn’t that bad of an idea either.
7. All kidding aside, it’s true she really is my better half.
8. With out my wife, my children and I would starve. Or, eat a lot of Pop Tarts.
9. I still don’t listen to her enough. The Lord has given her incredible insight.
10. And as a result of #9 contrary to popular belief (cough, cough) I’m not always right.
11. Saving up and paying cash to sit on the beach with the one your love for a week, with no agenda other then simply being together makes for a great vacation.
12. Those who know us best know that she’s the fun one.
13. When you’re both competitive, it’s always better to play on the same team.
14. Sometimes the most godly thing you can do is just shut your mouth and listen.
In all seriousness, I owe my wife a huge debt of gratitude. I would never be the man that I am becoming a part from her. There is no way I would have faced down some of the stuff inside of me without her place in my life. Thank you…and I love you.
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