Anniversary

Ben and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary last weekend with dinner and a movie.  We ate at Simply Fondue, which was delicious, and saw Harry Potter.  It was a great evening, and, as always, a joy to be together.

Several weeks ago, I had to give a talk in Stake Conference at church on the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, specifically how we receive our spouse when we're married in the temple.  Preparing for the talk proved to be a pleasant learning experience for me as I contemplated my own eternal marriage to my very best friend.

From my talk:

"Recently I attended a special Sunday meeting commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the San Leandro Stake, the stake both my husband and I are from.  Elder Bednar spoke and his wife introduced him.  In her talk, Sister Bednar said “I know my husband’s faults, but I know his strengths.”  I found her words profound.  And I believe that that’s the secret to properly receiving our spouse before the Lord in the new and everlasting covenant of marriage; to know our spouse’s faults, but to focus on their strengths."

I'm thankful for a husband who sees my strengths, compensates for my weaknesses, and works diligently to provide, in every way, for his wife and children.  

Ben pointed out at dinner that in celebrating our 13th anniversary, we're actually entering our 14th year of marriage.  We've already survived the "unlucky" 13.  While not exactly unlucky, this past year has been one of learning and growth.  With the passing of time our commitment to each other is strengthened as we face the trials of life together.  In The Family: A Proclaimation to the World, it states, "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."  I know this to be true and I am blessed with a husband who works with me, as a full partner, to put these principles into practice in our marriage and family.

It doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes as well!  ;)