Today is my 31st wedding anniversary, and I was thinking about a quote that I once read about relationships that said;
‘We may fall in love with any person, but it’s beneficial if the person we choose to marry embodies one particular quality: that they are committed to change and transformation.
Don’t look for someone perfect, but for someone very aware they aren’t perfect but wants to grow and be better every day.
Don’t be in a relationship with a person just because of who they are, but for who they are determined to become. Then spend a lifetime joining them in their becoming, as they join you in yours.“
There is something powerful and special about a person who continually seeks to grow and is committed to transformation and God’s purpose for their lives.
When it comes to having a relationship and looking for that person you would consider spending a life time with, my advice on having a relationship that lasts is;
1. Seek to be a person and with someone who is committed to growth and transformation.
2. Make Jesus the centre of your world and relationship. He will become the glue that keeps you united and gives purpose to everything. In Him, all things hold together and make sense.
3. I also highly recommend marrying your best friend and then always determine to want the best for one another – whatever may be happening in life, when you have your best friend by your side, you’re going to be alright. You may have some tough seasons, but you’re going to be okay when you are in it together.
My husband Philip consistently encourages me to be the best version of myself, push past my limitations, and dream big dreams. Then he does everything he possibly can to help me achieve these things and to live my best life. Where we’ve both sought to do and be that for one another, we’ve been able to become bigger better people and to experience some pretty amazing things.
Relationships that last a lifetime don’t just happen; they take effort, choosing to forgive, seeking to continually grow and develop as people, looking to discover what love is, and then living that love out in real-time. However, after 31 years, I can tell you it’s well worth it.
Oh, and lastly, Philip says his very best piece of advice (apart from the list above) is to, “marry up as he did” 🙂
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has noone to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22)
“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)