saving my life: four years.

A lot has happened this month; in our family, November is always a little bit crazy. It marks the beginning of what Jordan has termed our "Amen Corner" (whatever that means): our anniversary, Thanksgiving, his birthday, Christmas, my birthday, and Valentine's Day, all in a span of about four months. 

Last week, because of how the holidays fell, our anniversary landed on Thanksgiving Day, and while I'd normally balk at that -- who wants to share their special day with a major holiday? -- this year, it felt appropriate.

After four years, it feels like we have hit our stride in marriage. Sure, there are arguments and frustrations and hurt feelings and pointed questions about who left the dirty dishes to "soak" in the sink overnight, but overall, we are happy. We both are in jobs we love, so coming home at the end of the day is enjoyable. We're not making as much money as we used to, but we're okay with that. We have a new home that's cozy and comfortable and a dog that makes us laugh. We've limited our commitments, a lesson I learned the hard way after saying "yes" a little too frequently the year after Jordan graduated law school. We watch movies and travel and laugh and cook dinner together. We love Jesus and talk about church and faith and there is no judgment here, which is a relief, because we both still have so much to learn. 

There are always questions about the future -- finishing my thus-far-unfinished master's? having little ones join the family? buying a house? -- but for now, we are content. 

A while ago, I was talking with a friend about marrying young. It's something I've always been a little surprised about, the idea that at 22 I walked down an aisle in my blue Converse tennis shoes and said yes to something so permanent so early. I thought I'd marry a little bit later in life, after I had a few years of a career under my belt, a few years to learn and grow on my own. 

For whatever reason -- providence, I'd like to think -- I got married at 22 instead. I met someone who loved Jesus a whole lot more than he loved me, who I knew would make and keep his promises, who I trusted would trust and love and respect me. I married Jordan because he was smart and funny and confident, and he loved those things in me too. 

Because we got married younger than most, we've made almost every single major life decision together. We have sacrificed and we have fought and we have struggled financially and we have done a lot of growing up. 

I'm glad about that, because I know me. I am stubborn, and I am independent, and given time, I think I might not have married at all. And that would have been a shame, because marrying Jordan has been a lovely adventure. I would hate to have missed it.

I guess what I'm saying is, year four? It's been a good one. I feel like I don't sit back and recognize it enough. Some years are harder than others, I'm sure, and this one has had its own challenges. But I think it's worth acknowledging when something is going well, when days are more happy than sad. This, I think, has been one of those years. 

So happy four to us! I am so incredibly grateful I met and married my best friend. Here's hoping five is filled with happiness too.