In the trenches

To quote myself earlier, not much can shake a stick at food and cake tasting. Yet, as easy as it is to get tied up in the fun and excitement of preparing the wedding, Matt and I have talked quite a bit about how much more important it is to prepare for the marriage.

So, last night we went for our first pre-marital counseling session with the pastor that is marrying us come October. He is a close family friend of the Searsons, so it means a lot that he will be the one standing with us.

When I get nervous, I get sweaty and have a much greater tendency to cry. (I know you're jealous of this trait). I would be lying if I said I didnt do a little of both.

We spent most of last evening all getting to know each other (I'm Type A and Matt's Type B. Knock me over with a feather), and outlining what was to come in our next few sessions.

One of my takeaways was what we discussed about problems. Every relationship has them, and they are easy to sweep under the rug. Yet, if we walk through them together in faith, they are also what bring you together as a couple. As we were leaving, he shared with us that although him and his wife had seen their share of difficult seasons, there was no one he would rather have in the trenches with him the past 30 years.

Our relationship has seen a few trials, and I feel blessed to have been in the trenches with this one.

We also talked about "LLR". Liking, loving and respecting. Most couples enter into marriage thinking love is the most important element, but in reality, respect for your spouse is what holds you together. Homework for next week is to bring in a list of the qualities we respect/admire in each other. Sounds like an excel list to me.

On a lighter note, I found this sweet note in my mailbox today.

I'm a sucker for a thank you note. Especially when they are totally unexpected. We are so excited about our photographer, and this sealed the deal that we had made the right decision!