You Are My Song

my parents and I at my brother's wedding

       Today is my parent’s 30^th wedding anniversary! Congratulations Mom and Dad I wish you many more years together!  I feel strongly called to the Vocation of married life and I am so blessed to have been given such a beautiful example.   So while I am single right now, I still feel like I have learned a lot of valuable lessons about relationships from my parents (some of which have contributed to my prolonged singlehood).

       Lesson #1: There are still good men out there.  My dad has set and incredibly high bar for any man in my life (a good reason to be single).  The good news is that he has shown me that there are men out there who are willing to show love and respect to one woman forever.  I appreciate this lesson and know that I deserve a man like him because he taught me what I am worth as a daughter of God. (Thank you Dad for being great, thank you Mom for being super great and letting him marry you)

      Lesson #2: Love is not a feeling it is a choice.  Love wants the best for the other person.  My parents once told me that if you constantly try to outdo one another with generosity you will be happy.  They didn't mean that a couple should turn love into a competition they just meant that love is selfless.  I have seen this over and again in their relationship and I hope to one day be blessed with a man I can try to outdo in generosity.

       Lesson #3: The key to a lasting relationship is Christ.  This is the lesson I am most grateful for.  My parents have taught me that marriage is a commitment not only to your spouse but to God.  When you take vows you are promising God to love your spouse as he loves the Church.  A vow to God is not something that should be taken lightly.  In order to make a relationship last you have to put Christ at the center, you need to know that another human can never fulfill you, only God can give you all you need. 

       Thank you, mom and dad for showing me a beautiful reflection of love between the Father and the Son, and Christ and his Church.  Love is a many splendored thing, but it requires hard work and commitment.  Thank you LORD for my parents! 

       What life lessons has marriage taught you?  Do you think these lessons are true?  Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Drop me a line in the comments below!