Friday, November 11, 2016

This Day I Married My Best Friend. . .

Eleven years ago. . .4,015 days have passed. . .96,360 hours ticked on. . .

. . .since two lives became one.  One young, immature, naïve to the world girl committed to a stunning, intelligent, young man.  These two hold quite the back story, revealing the power of God.  See, just years prior to saying “I do”, these young souls fell head over heels for one another.  It took one glance her way and he melted this young girl’s heart.  Conversation after conversation strengthened the hold he gained on her life.  Love grew, memories created and time stood still!

Then, the inevitable happened!  A breakup.  Not your typical ‘see you later because I just don’t think this is working breakup’. . .this was a hard breakup.  Distance killed the bond.  Illness blinded the young girl’s rationale thinking.  Two happy souls slowly faded and hearts hardened.

There were relationships along the way; but, each paled in comparison to the love once felt.  Hardships developed, wounds left to infect.  Sadness tainted hope.  Years passed; yet, neither forgot the love shared.

As the two lost souls walked step by step through each day, it was clear Someone needed to intervene.  And intervene He did.  One day rock bottom came for both and something urged a letter to be written.  Both listened and two letters were written that day.  As each received the other’s at the same time; hope reentered the scene.

Reunited, the flames went sky high instantly.  The young girl fell in love all over; but, this time the love split between two amazing guys!  I met my Brayson September 11, 2004.  With one look, my heart melted and I knew this was forever for the three of us.




Great love story!  Makes for a great Hallmark movie.  But, just like all the Hallmark movies, the difficult times remain in the ‘blooper’ files.  Marriage is far from easy.  Parenting throws wedges daily between couples.  It is through the hard times, growing moments and decision making that love strengthens.  The enemy loses footing as God remains the center of the home.

Now, we did not have all aligned prior to committing to a life together.  Just saying ‘I do’ did not guarantee God to reign over the relationship.  Yes, I fully believe God’s Hands brought us together, holding on to us tightly; but, we were blind.  It took five years of messiness to finally realize the missing piece.  The wedge grew so wide, that again we found ourselves at rock bottom.  Thankfully, God stood strong, picked us both up and held our hands, connecting our hearts again.  We learned how Two become One as He intended.

I would like to share a few points I have learned thus far in eleven years as Mrs. Craig.
- Never miss a date night – after all, when the kids are grown and gone, it will be you and your spouse to love, cherish, laugh and live together (in peace and quiet).
- Remain as a team – come to compromise.  Throw away the ‘me box’ and avoid any chance of foothold for the enemy to drive apart you and your spouse.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff – really, it is not worth putting up a fight over every little thing that does not go your way.  God put two together knowing each were made to complement one another.  Go with the other’s idea and you may find it works ten times better.
- Encourage one another daily – via simple text, email, phone call, hug, kiss or prayer.  Whatever the line of communication, just do it!
- WARNING – this one is R rated – make love!  This is a bonding that no other in the world shares with you.  Enjoy this time together, put it on the calendar, call in a babysitter, put the kids down with a movie early, etc.  Do whatever you need to do to have alone time.
- Focus on the other’s happiness – that’s right!  Turn away from selfish gain and focus on what makes your spouse happy.  So, maybe you don’t like watching yet another sports game on TV. . .suck it up, sit down and engage in conversation over what is happening.  So, maybe you can’t take another drawn out love story on Hallmark channel. . .get over it and embrace your spouse while enjoying a well written script.
- Above all – Love One Another as God has loved you!

 

Live life. . .One Day at a time!
Sheree Craig  





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