29 Years of Marriage

Sunday, we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary—a milestone that still feels surreal to say out loud.

Twenty-nine years of love, heartache, and everything in between.

Five children.

A small zoo of pets.

A long list of hairstyles (some I still stand by… others, not so much 😄).

And a lifetime's worth of change.

Marriage has been hard, life-giving, sad, and sweet—sometimes all in the same season. We've walked through grief, loss, anxiety, fear, and moments that shook us to our core. But we've also experienced joy, celebrated victories, created unforgettable memories, and built a family and love that's deeper than I ever could have imagined.

Looking back, I've thought a lot about what I'd tell that younger version of me, the bride full of hope and dreams but not yet seasoned by time and experience. If I could go back and whisper into her ear, these are the truths I would share:

Pray Together

Not just before meals or in crisis, but regularly. Out loud. Even when it's awkward. Prayer will anchor you both when the storms come.

Respect the Differences

You won't always think the same, feel the same, or respond the same. That's okay. Don't waste energy trying to change each other—choose instead to understand.

Give Grace Freely

You'll both make mistakes. You'll both need grace. So, choose compassion over criticism. Put yourself in his shoes as often as possible.

Forgiveness Will Take You Further Than Being Right

Let go of the need to win. There's no prize for holding a grudge. Forgiveness is where healing begins.

Put Your Spouse's Needs First

Not in a way that erases you, but in a way that honors love. When you both do this for each other, you create a relationship where both of you thrive.

And I'm so thankful for the hard-won joy, the steady presence, and the deep, enduring love that 29 years has grown in us. God has been faithful through every chapter, even the ones I never saw coming.

Yet, we're still here. Still growing and still loving. With every high and low, laughter and tear, and that's everything. 

Remember, marriage isn't about perfection—it's about two imperfect people choosing each other daily with grace, humility, and love. Even in the hard seasons, beauty grows when you stay committed to growing together.🤍