Moving Forward

Well it's been about four months since the "big meltdown" and we seem to be rebuilding the foundation one brick at a time. My husband went through the prayer ministry at church around the beginning of November and that seems to have helped in many ways. For those things, I am thankful. If someone had asked me if we'd still be working at our marriage four months ago, I would have likely told them no. God is awesome like that, He makes a way where there doesn't seem to be one.

We still have days that are really rough and challenge our commitment to stay together, but we have learned to see these for what they are- 1) attacks from the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy and 2) opportunities to resist the enemy and grow closer together. It's not always easy and sometimes we stop ourselves mid-argument and just say "I'm sorry." Funny how an apology and a hug can bridge so many gaps when they are sincere.

Last night we went out to dinner, to a Coast Guard function. It was really nice to go out and be around other married couples. Hearing stories about what the Reservists do at the station on drills gives me a respect and appreciation for my husband. For example, yesterday that did survival swimming. They had to don wet suits and swim out around the pier and back in the rip current. Can you imagine doing that? I can't. Many of their suits leaked and the cold water rushed in, making swimming that much more difficult. But to my knowledge, they all finished. That's a test of strength and fortitude that I'm not sure I could endure, and it gives me an appreciation and respect for what my husband does when he is away from us for his drill weekends- and also for the men and women with whom he serves.

The girls seem to have come out of this tumultuous time mostly unscathed, and for that the glory goes to God. Early on in all of this a friend and I began praying that God would protect my children from any ill effects from the struggles facing our marriage, and He has. So I give Him praise for that this morning.

Many of you may not have been aware of all this going on in my family, because I purposely separated my blogs to keep it quiet. But now that we seem to be working towards a positive resolution, I wanted to share with you all so that you can encourage and keep us lifted in prayer, and maybe also as a testimony for those who are or will go through similar trials in their marriage. Thank you for reading this with a sincere heart and for not making it a source for gossip. Please hold us up in prayer. We certainly appreciate it.