So when my Brother and Sister-in-law had their 1st anniversary she made a great post celebrating and said that they had made it further than about 60% of people who get married young. At first I thought "well, not in Utah" but I am sad to say that I am actually wrong.
Lately, I've been noticing some of my Facebook friends’ names have started changing- back to their maiden names. It's shocked and saddened me that so many girls my age are getting married and then suddenly within the first 2 years of marriage, suddenly get divorced. Getting married in the temple doesn't guarantee the marriage will work out but I think being
LDS we have more understanding and are told by our church leaders that you are in it for the long haul. It makes me sad that people are wanting to get married but then forget the love they had, make mistakes and aren't willing to take the steps of repentance and “have different views”. I don't want to offend anyone with this post but just reinforce that marriage is often not taken seriously. I understand that in some cases, people are better not together but it doesn't mean you should take the easy way out the first time around.
It reminded me of a talk that Pres. Monson gave this last conference in the priesthood session, I am just going to share a couple quotes from it but you can read the whole thing
here.
“If you are concerned about providing financially for a wife and family, may I assure you that there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrifice and to make difficult decisions. Perhaps you are afraid of making the wrong choice. To this I say that you need to exercise faith. Find someone with whom you can be compatible. Realize that you will not be able to anticipate every challenge which may arise, but be assured that almost anything can be worked out if you are resourceful and if you are committed to making your marriage work.”
“Brethren, there is a point at which it’s time to think seriously about marriage and to seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity. If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness.”
“Choose a companion carefully and prayerfully; and when you are married, be fiercely loyal one to another….“Choose your love; love your choice.” There is great wisdom in those few words. Commitment in marriage is absolutely essential.”
I love that we have leaders to turn to that understand us and understand what Heavenly Father wants for us. They know probably better than anyone that marriage is not the easiest thing but that it is so worth it.
All of these thoughts lead me to one of my favorite songs, Marry Me by Train. The most powerful words are seen right here on my blog “Marry Me, Today and Everyday” to me, that means that each day you have to re-commit yourself to your spouse and in a sense marry them every day. Pierce and I will be the first people to admit that marriage is not perfect, but it’s great. That we don’t always see eye to eye, but that we love each other more than anything. And that we want this in our lives and we want it together and with each other. I truly have a testimony of marriage and the quality of life it brings to my own life. I have a testimony that we are not supposed to end up in this world alone. We have countless examples of good marriages and I want to be the little old couple that has been married for 50+ years. Marriage isn’t always easy, so you need to “choose your love” so that you remember that you love this other person when it does get hard and then “love your choice”- work on loving that choice every day.
