Some people hate weddings. Especially single people. Not me though. I like them! It's like a sampling of anything I could ever do for my own wedding experience-- specifically the reception. This weekend I drove down to St. George to witness the wedding of two special friends. This wasn't just any 2 people though-- I was the matchmaker! That's right, pat on the back to me. I officially brought the lives of Katie Neilson and Daniel Moss together. :) It was almost a year ago when some friends of mine (Mosses included) were getting together to play volleyball. I had recently become friends with Katie, knew she was athletic, and invited her to come. After spending some time playing with the dominating Moss brothers (Jason & Daniel) I never would have imagined Katie one day joining the family. However, when we left that night, she commented, "I think the taller one is pretty cute." A week later I was going on a blind date and decided to make it a group date. My roommate Cassity found a date and I told Katie she should go with Daniel. I even did the text inviting to Daniel (ha, lame) and he seemed okay with it. The date itself was full of awkward conversation and Daniel was wearing Swedish pants that were rather tight and I remember thinking, "Hmm... maybe they're not a match made in Heaven." Well... to my surprise I talked to Katie about Daniel a couple weeks later and they'd been spending time together almost every day! What?! Where did THAT come from?! Well, at that point, my job was done. The rest is history, and after traveling through ups and downs and doubts and confusion... Katie and Daniel are still in love and ready to share their lives together!
So that's what brings me to the title of this post-- Marriage: what makes it work? The beginning of any relationship is probably giddy and exciting and hopeful and fun. Then, like any Disney movie, there comes a time when it's not so fun and there are obstacles and maybe some heartache or misunderstanding... but then somehow the 2 people make it past that tricky part and come out winners in the end. Not ALL stories go like this, but lots of them do. I've never been engaged. I've hardly even had a real boyfriend. Just lots of dates. And crushes. And I'm just awkward with boys I think, but I'm hoping one day I get married.
When I was home for Christmas my family had a lot of good conversations about marriage, and why it works so well for different couples-- even people who are entirely opposites and you'd never imagine them together. So I'm interested to hear why it works for you. Or people you know. What are the tricks? Secrets? Cautions? Not that I can apply any of this advice to my life right now... but maybe one day I'll use it to my own benefit. Hooray for people who find each other and love each other enough to want to be together forever. :)
I might be a little practical and not so sentimental but I think my marriage works because I choose to make it work. I think love is a choice. Yes there is a place for attraction and chemistry, but ultimately you get to choose. And you have to continue making that choice every day. Because it is hard work to make it work.
ReplyDeleteThat's my two cents.
Well said, Sandy. I agree. I think having the Gospel in the center of our marriage has made it work too. What would we do without it?? And of course, there has to be common goals and you have to be moving in the same direction and know what you want out of life. It's important to talk about things like spirituality, affection and how you show it/feel it, finances (for sure!), children, and how you were brought up BEFORE you ever take the step to get married. And be friends first. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know my views from all our PA conversations, but I just wanted to say I love you and I love reading your thoughts! Hooray for blogging Bree! And you'll find your "champion" soon enough, but I'll bet that he's nothing like you'd expect!
ReplyDeleteCommunication!! I think that I have a fabulous marriage because my husband and I can talk about anything, awkward things, funny things, sad things, serious things... It makes life so much easier when we can tell each other what we need and like and want and not feel like the other person is going to be mean or use what we have said against each other. Talking is a big deal. And, I love you!
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