Older and Wiser?

Nineteen years.

That’s how long my hubby and I have been married.

I had a starry-eyed view of what my marriage would be at 25 years old. Being that 19 years is a long time, I am definitely older, but am I  wiser than when I said, “I do.”?

Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster.

Gil: Oh?

Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!

Gil: What a great story.

Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn’t like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it. ~from the movie, Parenthood.

That is the speech Grandma gives Gill in the movie, Parenthood. She was talking about life being like a roller coaster ride. The same can be said for marriage.

In the beginning you are excited, ready for the ride.

You hit a few bumps and reality sets in. You realize marriage is not going to be a smooth ride, like a fairytale, despite what Disney has told you.

And, now you are freaking out a little bit, wondering what you got yourself into.

There will be bumps on the track that you didn’t anticipate, that’s part of the ride. There are hardships, illnesses, sacrifice, and tough decisions. There are ups and downs, hair-pin curves and loops that turn you upside down. Good thing you have someone next to you to hold your hand!

You may get scared because it is not the ride you expected. There may be times you want the hell off this ride!

Marriage takes love, patience, forgiveness, faith, trust, and maybe a seat belt. It’s not for the weak of heart. It’s not what you imagined. It’s not always happy days, passionate nights, or a smooth ride. It ebbs and flows with life.

Marriage is a roller coaster ride…with laughing, crying, and some screaming.

Don’t disrespect it. Don’t take it for granted. Celebrate it. Hold on for the ride.

And, if you sit back and go where it takes you…you’ll get more out of it.