Today marks 24 years since Jerry and I stood before our family and friends and committed our lives to one another. The plans and dreams we had then have changed. We have certainly changed, as indiviudals and as a couple.  But we wouldn’t turn back the clock, even if we could. Here are 24 lessons in marriage we have learned in the last 24 years.

1. Never stop dating.
2. A good marriage looks nothing like what we see on tv or in the movies.
3. Learning to disagree or fight well takes time.
4. No matter how many more days or years God gives us together, it will never be enough.
5. Let your kisses linger at least ten seconds.
6. Appreciation and gratitude are the kindling to keep the marriage fire burning brightly.
7. Resolve anger before you go to sleep.
8. Never let your spouse give up on their dreams.
9. Submission is not a big hurdle when my husband loves me as Christ loved the Church.
10. Wives are called to submit twice – to God and their husband. Husbands are called to  submit to Christ and die! To die means to stop putting my own goals, ambitions and desires first.
11. Nobody is ready to get married when they do.
12. Your spouse is proof of God’s grace to you.
13. Praying together is one of the surest ways to strengthen your relationship.
14. It really does take a village, a family, a church to do marriage well.
15. Being married means you get instant feedback – good or bad.
16. When you get married you become one, but it takes a lifetime of learning and living together to work that out.
17. You’ll be surprised what are the points of tension or struggle; it is rarely the big things.
18. Disability is not our biggest challenge.
19. There is no shame in seeking help or mentoring in your marriage.
20. Figure out what works for you as a couple. It’s likely not identical to your family or friends marriages.
21. The roller coaster is more fun than the merry-go-round. Also scarier and more intnese, but still more fun!
    

    Photo by Kent Weitkamp on Unsplash

22. Make time to talk each day.
23. Spend time together in the Word of God. But don’t let the enemy discourage you when you don’t. Accept grace and start again.
24. Marry your best friend. If you didn’t, make your spouse your best friend.

We would love to hear your lessons, be it 1, 24 or 50!  We know we still have much to learn in marriage, please share . . .