totallyjeneric

Eric and I watched the movie Fireproof tonight, and while it was 97% predictable and pretty much no-frills as far as acting & special effects, it was two hours of my life well-spent. It was simple yet profound. It was real.  I left the theater energized, spilling over with hope and love and confidence. ”Fireproof doesn’t mean that a fire will never come, but that when it comes, you’ll be able to withstand it.”  

Speaking of relationships, I was marking a date on my calendar the other day and noticed that we already have six weddings planned for next year, from San Francisco and Chicago, to Canada and Japan. Crazy!!  And while I am truly happy for our engaged friends, because marrying the right person at the right time is an indescribable blessing, I also feel an increasing burden to assure my non-married, non-engaged, and especially non-dating friends that there is NO RUSH to find that special someone and seal the deal.  Enjoy whatever stage of life you’re at, because the grass is always greener on the other side.  Having been married for 9 months, I feel like I’m just beginning to scratch the surface but can already attest that marriage is hard work and not rosy all the time. Sorta like an onion (sorry Eric)… you start peeling the layers of each other and become so raw and vulnerable that you can’t hold back tears, because when it’s good, it’s so good, but when it’s hard, it’s soooo hard! I hope that made sense. Anyway, what I’m saying is that married people struggle too, with different sorts of issues, and rather than wondering if the grass really is greener, everyone ought to start watering their own lawns. (I’m preaching to myself here!)  So if you’re married, fireproof your marriage. If you’re engaged, make time to prepare for marriage amidst the wedding plans.  And if you’re single, savor the independence and wait… wait… w.a.i.t. for the right one! Focus on becoming a person that will make your future spouse feel like they’ve struck gold.. so that when the time comes, you will both be SO ready. Til then, do NOT let people pressure you into their timeline. I cringe when I hear others say “EVERYBODY is getting married” these days, because it’s not true and it’s not the goal. Be content where you are and live each stage – and each day – to its fullest!!

Don’t settle for Hersheys. Eat Godiva!! (Poor transition, but whatever.)