I love weddings! Such a special moment watching two people look each other in the eyes and pledge love and fidelity in front of God, family and dear friends. Last weekend I got to attend my cousin’s wedding on the beach. The sky was gray and overcast, but it wasn’t too cold and the rain we all dreaded stayed away. It was a beautiful ceremony. The bride was stunning, the groom her perfect handsome match.
The man she married is a chef, so I wrote a little something to share with them during the reception and I wanted to share it with you too. Every wedding I go to reminds me of my own wedding day, all the emotion, all the hopes and dreams for a “happily ever after.” Today I’m just marveling at how quickly the last 16 years of my own marriage have flown by.
The Recipe
Good marriages need a good foundation, a recipe if you like. Once you have the basic ingredients you can spice it up with all kinds of different stuff.
- First you need love, it starts out hot and wild, but over the years it simmers down into the sauce that holds everything together.
- Next you need respect, like your meat and veggies, it fuels daily life in a marriage.
- Then you need patience, you can’t rush a good meal, and in marriage patience and grace for each other and yourselves will help you through the difficult times.
- And you must have fun! Like dessert, it keeps marriage sweet. Never stop dating and romancing each other.
- Last you need a dinner table, a safe place to share life. When the rest of the world tries to tear you down and wear you out your table is where you build each other up and encourage each other’s dreams.
Marriage can certainly be difficult at times but overall it should be a place of safety and joy. If your marriage is lacking in any of these things I highly recommend connecting with ministries like The Generous Wife and The Generous Husband. They send out daily emails with practical and biblical ideas for how to inspire all these things in your marriage.
I’d love to hear from you! What is some of the best marriage advice you’ve been given? Share in the comments so we can all be encouraged. As always, thanks for reading.
Amber King
April 15, 2016 at 8:53 amI have always said these same things to my daughter and that marriage is a life long work and requires kindling like a fire….the fire burns within you to make your marriage a roaring success but with the kindling it will gradually burn out.
Smallchelle
April 15, 2016 at 10:56 amThat’s awesome Amber! And so true! Thanks for sharing 🙂