“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As I sit up here on the rooftop of McKee’s at 139b enjoying the view of Charleston, SC, I reflect on the wedding anniversary Jen and I just shared. It has been an amazing seven years and we have grown so much during that time, both as individuals and as a couple. Every day we are learning more and more about each other and our marriage. To keep our marriage, and our great friendship, strong we know it will continue to take work.

We have struggles in our marriage just like most couples out there. Early in our marriage we would sometimes have these heated arguments about what we now consider the silliest things. Mainly the arguments would come about because we were both stubborn and believed our way was the right way and wouldn’t budge.

Ironically, many of these arguments happened around the time of a holiday, so we started calling our arguments, “having a holiday”. Fortunately we rarely “have a holiday” these days. But we learned a lot through each one of them to help us grow. Here are a few things.

First, we have to keep Christ at the center of our marriage at all times. He keeps things in perspective, especially when our human feelings are hurt. Our focus on Him brings us back to where we need to be.

Second, no matter what the disagreement is we always remember our love for one another. When we look at the situation through the lense of the love we have for each other, it softens everything.

Third, we don’t have to be right all the time. This one can be tough when you have two strong-willed people who have been pretty successful in life. But this is where humility steps in and shuts our pride down.

Fourth, each day is a blessing to be together and we have to treat it as such. We work towards never taking a moment together for granted because we are not promised the next moment.

The bottom line is it takes work! If you’re willing to put the work into your relationship, whether a married couple or dating, it can truly be more than you ever imagined. Trust me, I am living it right now!

Truth In Love! ~ Chuck

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