The Hard Work of Loving Well

As I look back on my marriage journey, I’m reminded that true love is a beautiful, imperfect, and wonderful adventure. It’s a journey that’s taught me the value of vulnerability, the power of intentional love, and the joy of building a life with my best friend.

My husband and I are an unlikely match, with differences that go far beyond our age gap. Yes, you read that right. We have an age gap. We are a modern-day Boaz & Ruth. We’re a study in contrasts: he’s a thinker, a craftsman who approaches life with a logical, methodical mindset. I, on the other hand, am a feeler, a writer who wears my heart on my sleeve and evaluates everything through the lens of emotion. Our differences in personality, upbringing, and approach to life have created a beautiful synergy, allowing us to learn from each other and grow together in ways we never thought possible.

Despite our differences, we’ve learned to cherish the unique qualities each of us brings to the table. But this didn’t happen overnight – it took intentional spiritual work, prayer, and a commitment to understanding each other’s perspectives. My husband’s consistency and transparency have been the greatest gifts he’s given me, aside from our children. These traits have been the foundation upon which we’ve built our marriage.

But it hasn’t always been easy. Like any marriage, we’ve had our fair share of disagreements, often stemming from our vastly different perspectives. However, when we made the conscious decision to do the spiritual work, everything shifted. God began to use our differences to strengthen our bond, teaching us to see each other’s unique qualities as beautiful expressions of His design.

Embracing the Beauty of Differences in Marriage

I firmly believe that one of the ultimate forms of love is putting in the spiritual work with your spouse. It’s about learning to appreciate the intricacies of God’s design in each other, rather than trying to change or mold each other into something more familiar.

When we prioritize spiritual growth and connection in our marriages, we open ourselves up to a more profound and lasting love. By focusing on transparency, consistency, and mutual support, we can build a stronger, more resilient marriage that honors God and each other.

A Christian Marriage Perspective on True Love

True love is not a fairytale; it’s a choice. It’s a decision to show up, to be vulnerable, and to do the hard work of building a life together. It’s about embracing the beauty of differences and learning to see each other through the lens of God’s grace.