10 Years = 3,650 Days!

This Thursday is a particularly special day for me. It's an important milestone that I'm really looking forward to because this Thursday Melanie and I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage! Thank you Jesus! I really can't believe 10 years have flown by this fast. That's 3,650 days of waking up and doing life together. If there's one thing I've learned in 10 years it's that you spell marriage, "W-O-R-K." But I have to say, I love my job!

Those first couple of years were tough. Lots of fighting. Lots of apologies (from me!). Lots of counseling. But it's been SOOOOO worth it. It's still a lot of work, but the kind that's truly rewarding. The kind that brings growth, true intimacy, and joy. Even as we started talking last week about The Holy Spirit being The Helper, I guess one of the reasons I'm excited about 10 years together is because I can look back and see all the ways God has carried us through! I've never needed The Helper more than in my marriage. Can I get an AMEN?!! I don't care who you are or who you marry, it ain't easy! But The Helper helps me see things differently, helps me apologize and admit when I'm wrong, helps me love, helps me forgive and forget, helps me know what to do when I don't have a clue...and He's great to talk to when I just feel like breaking something or running away!

Marriage for me is the ultimate crucible. So thankful for my wife. The Lord uses her in so many ways to challenge, inspire, and encourage me. I really know that much of who I am today is because of her. 10 years and two kids later I can say I love her more than ever...thanks to The Helper.

-Ben