Today is our five year wedding anniversary, and I am so thankful for this marriage of mine. Marriage can be hard work. It’s one of those things that no one really tells you is hard work until you’re living it, kind of like parenthood. Of course, it’s also one of those things that is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling. It’s a sacrament that we don’t take lightly around here, and I’m blessed beyond measure to have M as my partner through life. God always knows what He’s doing when pairing people together, and I couldn’t have dreamed up a better person.
Last year, I shared a ton of wedding pictures here on the blog, but this year, I want to share some really important words from a very special man. They are words I hope to live by. When my grandpa passed away last month, I sat at his desk and fumbled through his papers and homilies, and I came across a homily he had prepared for his sister’s 50th wedding anniversary. I thought I would share his words with you today, because they really touched my heart, and they couldn’t be any more special today on our 5th anniversary. I just love his wise words. They’re important for any stage of marriage, and I hope you love them as much as I do.
WORDS FROM MY GRANDPA, DEACON AL CALZADA ::
“I believe that if there is any secret to making a marriage last, it’s to renew the marriage vows you took 50 years ago every day. It’s about vowing to love, honor, and care for each other, not just on the first day when there is a pretty dress, flowers, and a celebration, but every day, even when life brings the struggles, the disagreements, and things that really try the marriage life. It’s a promise kept and renewed every morning, every night, and through the years. It’s a promise kept all the way to half a century and beyond.
It is weathering the small things that bother you, like when the wind blows and the walls shake, and then you realize that it’s not the wind. It’s just your mate snoring. And it is about loving other things that bother you; it’s about the disagreements, and of course, the making up.
Then there are the thousands of small negotiations that go on between a husband and a wife. You love it because it reminds you that you are alive and you are loved. You are in love. And your joy is complete, because as St. Paul said, “Love never fails.”
Perhaps many things have changed in this house you have built and lived in for years, and so has your marriage. But that is how it should be. Change is part of life. We grow, we adapt, and we adjust. Christ’s first miracle was at a wedding, and it was all about change. He changed ordinary water into the best wine. The miracle of this sacrament is transformation. Marriage is just like that.
Your marriage is like a house. It has survived change for 50 years because it is made out of the right materials. And they aren’t found in just any place. You have secured your walls with patience, tenderness, and prayer. You have filled it with warmth and laughter. And the roof is supported with love: love for one another, love for your children, love for your family, and most important, love for God.
And no matter what the future holds for both of you, your marriage will not collapse, for you have built it on a rock. Congratulations, my sister and brother. May the Lord keep blessing you. Amen.”
Happy anniversary, my love. Here’s to a million more memories serving God, our family, and each other.
Have a wonderful weekend, friend! Sending lots of love your way.
Let’s keep in touch, shall we?
You can see where I’m linking up on this page.
beautiful pictures :) today is also our wedding anniversary of five years! October 16, 2010 weddings are the best :) xo
Oh my goodness! Happy anniversary to you too! Xoxo
What your grandpa said was simply perfect! Happy anniversary! Wishing you many more years of happiness and blessings!
He always had the best words. Thanks so much, Amanda!
Happy anniversary, Kristy! What a beautiful family! And, congratulations on 5 years!
We just celebrated 25 years ourselves!
Found your post today on SHINE.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
Thank you so much, Melanie! Congrats to you 25 years! Many blessings to you. :)
Gorgeous pictures! Happy anniversary!!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Thank you, Darcy! Have a great weekend!
Perfect words! Happy Anniversary, beautiful!!
Thanks, friend!!! His words always touched me. :)
Happy Anniversary!! Our fifth is next month too :)
Thanks, Kelly! Five years is going to be a good one. I can feel it! Happy early anniversary to you! Xoxo
Awesome and true words! Happy Anniversary!
Thanks so much, Wendy!
Love this girl. Your grandpa really had a way with words. Happy anniversary!
Thanks, Tiffany! He always was so inspiring, not just with his words, but with how he lived them. :)
Happy Anniversary, friend! What beautiful words :) xoxo
Thanks so much, friend! He was one special grandpa and person. Xoxo
That is just precious Kristy to find these words from your grandpa….such a sweet memory and such beautiful reminders. Happy Anniversary!
Thank you so much, Shelly! It was a sweet moment to find them and even sweeter to remember how he lived them. Have a great weekend!
Such wise and wonderful words. Happy Anniversary!!!
Thanks, Whitney! :) My grandpa sure did have a way with words. Hope you had a happy weekend!
Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing. Happy Anniversary!
Thanks so much, Courtney! :) Hope you had a great weekend!
Happy Anniversary!!!
Thank, Liz! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
Happy anniversary. May you be blessed with many more. Deacon was a very wise man.
Thanks so much, Lillie! He was the wisest man I knew. I sure do miss him, but I’m thankful for the words and example he left behind. Xoxo
Five years… that’s awesome! I just adore your wedding photos and the words shared by your beloved grandpa… beautiful and wise.
Happy anniversary! Wishing you many more years of love.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely evening.
xoxo
Happy Anniversary, Kristy! These words were eloquently written. Thank you for sharing them with us. I agree with your grandfather, it is the vows that have helped me especially during the difficult times.