The 16th Anniversary of Our Marriage

Today is the 16th anniversary of our wedding

On each wedding anniversary, my husband and I joke to each other:

“We’ve been married this long?”

“Yeah, I can’t imagine. I didn’t plan to marry you for so long!”

Truth is, we both know that we can’t live without each other.

Today, I want to say something to my lover.

A friend once asked me why I chose my husband. They felt that I married beneath me, and that I could’ve found a better one. I just smiled lightly, and said: “You don’t know my husband. I’m the lucky one.”

My husband is not the most handsome, nor the tallest, nor the physically strongest. However, he has a loyal heart and a quiet personality. This is how he first attracted me.

During the first few years of our marriage, we had quite a lot of quarrels because of differences in culture and language. My personality was very extreme at that time, and I threatened to divorce him many times. Each time, he simply said no. Because of his insistence, we did not separate.

We have moved many times since we married, and each move is a challenge for our marriage. His patience is my place of rest. He taught me: “You don’t have to be anxious about every thing. Have fun in the stressful times.”

When I was in a hurry about something, and I couldn’t deal with the stress, he would come and whisper to tell me to rest. He would finish what I couldn’t finish.

The day he proposed. It was a surprise proposal, and we bought the ring later that day. (2001)

My husband is very funny, and often tries to get me to laugh, especially when my mood is low. My husband is the best listener. Whenever I have troubles, he always lets me express it.

Many crying nights are warm because of his companionship and embrace.

Knowing him more will reveal how broad and powerful his heart is. Both of us are Christians. In our faith, my husband’s life is much more mature than mine. Over the years, because of his help and guidance to me, and his leadership, I have become the person I am today.

His understanding of the Bible and his love for God deeply influenced me and prompted me to make progress. When I face new challenges, he supports me. He encourages me to get the rest that I need, and he gives me good advice.

He has brought out the best side of me, so that I no longer fear, and am able to move forward. Because of him, I have become stronger, more courageous, and have a clearer understanding of life.

Pre-wedding picture (a Chinese thing)

He brings out the best of me

Many friends know that we have five handsome sons. People often think that it is my credit to raise children so well. In fact, my husband should probably get 80% of the credit.

It was his desire to homeschool our boys. He showed me what faithful love is. He began our family’s Bible study when our oldest was just days old, and has been consistent in leading our Bible Time for over 15 years. He prays for us. His patience, wisdom, inclusion, humor, teaching, etc. are the cornerstones of our family.

A wise man has said that in a family, it’s not just the person who does most of the work that is head of the house, but it is the person who has the right heart and character. I am very happy that I am not the head of the family, because I know I can’t do it.

Not long ago, illness almost took away his life. Throughout the entire process, we held each other’s hands and encouraged each other to challenge the sickness. He is a “fighter” and our family has become closer because of the disease.

Taken Fall of 2017

Everything works together for good to those who love God

I always knew that he loved me more than I loved him, and seeing what love truly is, I now try to love him as much as he loves me. I know that my life cannot be without him.