Sunrise, Sunset

As we look back on 30 years of marriage, we can see the ways our relationship has been like a journey from sunrise to sunset.

Sunrise

Jen: Sunrise is the beginning of the journey of the sun. When dawn breaks the sun begins making its way up into the sky. We see more and more as the sky brightens.

This is a good analogy for the beginning of our relationship. When I think back to our early days of dating and marriage I can remember the joy vividly. Nick was my perfect complement. Every walk, every date, every late night at the coffee shop was an opportunity to discover more and I never tired of it. Thinking back on this I feel joyful. It’s like being wrapped in a plush blanket to warm up on a cold night.

Nick: Early in our relationship and newlywed days, everything was new. It was enthralling in a new adventure way. I remember so many firsts – our first kiss, first saying I love you to Jen, first night together as husband and wife. Everything was bright and shiny and new.

I feel appreciative looking back on this time now. It’s like an upbeat and grateful feeling rolled up together. It reminds me of watching our kids open presents on Christmas morning.

Mid-Day

Nick: Eventually the sun is up and full in the sky. It’s also the busiest and hottest part of the day. This part of the day brings to mind the moment when Jen and I had been married for 7 years.

We had two kids and our third on the way.  We weren’t communicating well, but I believed that was just natural given how long we’d been married.

That was just about the time we found a Marriage Encounter experience to learn how to reconnect. I feel grateful. It’s heart filling and hopeful. It’s like a beautiful clear blue sky.

Jen: Our midday sun was busy, hot, tiring, loud and a little crazy; but also, it was exciting, growth-filled and satisfying along the way. Amidst all of it we managed to stay connected to one another and be a team once we had the tools to make it happen.

As I think back on this I feel satisfied, like patting myself on the back for a job well done.

Sunset

Jen: Once the mid-day has waned we get to the part of our analogy that is sunset.

Sunset is the wind down. It is seen in the deep vibrant colors as the sun draws closer to the horizon. I don’t think we have quite hit this stage in our relationship yet. I am hopeful that when we do get there, it will be as rich and fulfilling as the rest of the day of our relationship has been. We have worked hard to strengthen our relationship, and I look forward to seeing what the sky holds as we watch the sun set. Reflecting on this I feel calm and grateful. Grateful smells soothing, like warm apple fries and coffee.

I feel blessed. Blessed is full of appreciation for what we have been given. It’s like looking at something truly grand and amazing and just soaking in the awareness and letting it wash over me.

Treasure Every Day

We believe the call is to treasure every day we get together, whether a good day or a bad day. Sunrise to sunset, there are no real bad days when you and your beloved are in sync with whatever that day may bring.

Nick: At 30 years married, we’re enough around the bend we can see the sunset ahead. I appreciate the time we have had and still look forward, God willing, to many more years together.