August 17, 2017
When you walk down the aisle to the man of your dreams you never anticipate living 200 miles away from him. But here I am, spending one month in a long-distance marriage. Like what? What even is a long-distance marriage?!
Milton and I have been together for four years now. Sadly, I had to think really hard about that and do the math haha! Out of those four years we’ve spent about a year and a half (not all at once) living in different cities. When we first started dating I was beginning my fifth year of college and Milton was starting his career in construction in Houston. After graduation I moved to Houston to start my first job (and be closer to him, duh). About 18 months later Milton’s work took him to Austin. Frustrating, I know. A few months after that Milton proposed and we agreed that it would be smartest, financially, that I move in with him in Austin. And here we are now, married, yet living in different cities. Again.
When we first found out about our move I decided that I would keep working in Austin for about a month before I would join Milton in Galveston. During bible study with my gals they asked me if I was worried about living in different cities for a bit. I instantly shrugged it off. I’d be fine! We have done it before so what could be so hard?
Haha, this evening I realized I was wrong. I was driving home from the gym and George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” came on. It made me think about my best friend that just got engaged…her fiancé played this for her on his guitar before getting down on one knee. So romantic. Appropriately, I had to listen to the song we had our first dance to! Btw, it was Aaron Watson’s “Next To Heaven”. To make myself even more emotional I went home and watched our wedding video. All of the feels.
I am such a planner. I plan everything from what I’m going to have for breakfast the next morning to what kind of workout I will do at the gym that evening. The recent changes that Milton and I have been experiencing has really thrown a wrench into my plans! Thankfully, I have such good friends and family that remind me that God’s path for Milton and me is greater than anything I could ever plan.
It is human nature to plan and set expectations or goals for your future. However, it’s also so important to not get discouraged when things do not go the way you expected them to. There’s a verse that I’ve had underlined for years that speaks to this situation:
For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
If you’re also experiencing change try writing this verse down or flagging it in your bible. Read it when you feel confused or even defeated. It is such an awesome reminder that God is always taking care of his children. These changes are definitely strengthening our marriage, but I do have to say that I’m ready to be back in the same town as my husband!
Read more about love and life here:
Canoeing the Colorado: Learning to Let Go
