Refined in Relationship

 The man and I are celebrating our 5-year wedding anniversary this weekend with a little vacation on the beach. Needless to say, this time together, just the two of us, with no agenda, no needs to attend to other than our own... it's rejuvenating. It's a deep breath of ocean air and a good book in your hand kind of feeling. It's fresh coffee in the morning and soft sand in your toes. It's the stuff that breathes life.

I'm not sure it's possible for two people to have packed so much life into the last 5 years. I look at this picture of that young couple, so unassuming, so fresh faced. They have no idea. No idea what kind of amazing, hard, beautiful life they have ahead of them.

When I met this man, 8 years ago we were so young, so naive. I look at us now, still young, but so much more grown. The last five years have refined us. 

We are refined when we enter into true relationship. We grow and stretch in a way that we could never expect, never plan for. This marriage relationship we have has refined us. It has made us better.

So much better.

Just a small example of the refinement we receive when we enter into relationship with Jesus. More and more I am able to recognize and appreciate the beauty in this relationship. Just like in marriage, the longer we do this and the more time and energy we put into it, the more clear and beautiful its purpose becomes. 

Happy 5 years, my love. You refine me.

*Our hotel room in Tulum, Mexico was incredible! I'll be sure to share photos soon*