The Real Secret to a Lasting Marriage

Thirty years of marriage is no small feat.

As Philip and I celebrate this milestone, I find myself reflecting on the lessons we’ve learned—the ones that shaped us, challenged us, and ultimately strengthened our bond.

Our journey has not been a straight path; there were moments when we weren’t sure we would make it, times when we felt like giving up.

But here we are, not just surviving but thriving.

Love Evolves, and That’s Okay

The love we had in our early years was fiery and passionate. But as time passed, it deepened into something more profound—a steady, unwavering presence in each other’s lives.

Learning to embrace this evolution instead of longing for what once was has been a game-changer.

Hard Times Don’t Mean the End

There was a point when we almost walked away from each other.

Life had thrown its fair share of challenges at us and we wondered if we had reached the breaking point.

But instead of giving up, we recommitted to each other and made our marriage a focus. We had tough conversations, learned to truly listen, and committed to rebuilding.

Marriage isn’t about avoiding hard times; it’s about facing them together.

Raising a Family Changes Everything

Becoming parents was one of the most beautiful yet demanding experiences of our lives.

Our children became our world, and for a while, we forgot that we were partners before we were parents.

It took time to rediscover each other beyond our roles as mom and dad, but prioritizing our relationship strengthened our entire family.

The Little Things Matter More Than Grand Gestures

Over the years, we realized that love isn’t always about grand, sweeping gestures. It’s in the small things—the morning coffee made just the way we like it, the comforting squeeze of a hand in a difficult moment, the laughter over an inside joke.

These moments build the foundation of a lasting relationship.

Growing Together is a Choice

We are not the same people we were on our wedding day.

We’ve changed, evolved, and faced different seasons of life.

The key has been choosing to grow together rather than apart.

Supporting each other’s dreams, adapting to each other’s changes, and remaining each other’s biggest cheerleaders have made all the difference.

Gratitude is Everything

Looking back, I feel immense gratitude—for the struggles that made us stronger, for the laughter that filled our home, and for the love that has carried us through.

Choosing to focus on what we appreciate about each other, rather than dwelling on flaws, has made our marriage not just lasting but joyful.

We have often leaned on our faith during difficult times, remembering Ecclesiastes 4:12: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

With God at the center, we have found strength beyond our own.

As we celebrate 30 years, I know that marriage isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance, love, and commitment.

To those on this journey, I hope our story serves as a reminder that challenges don’t mean failure, and with dedication, love can stand the test of time.