December 23rd 1995. I went to a friend’s house to find out our plan. I knew we were going out that night and I knew there would be a special guest. I rang the doorbell and my friends Mom answered the door. As I was being let in, I was informed that my friend and his girlfriend where upstairs getting ready and it would be a little while before I could talk to my friend. However, Grace was on the couch and I could talk to her.
As I looked her way, her beauty captured my eyes. I introduced myself and Immediately there was chemistry. My internal thoughts were. “Watch this be the one.” I walked across the room to introduce myself with a handshake. I shook her hand and immediately went for the peanut M&M’s in the dish next to where she was sitting.
In my own stupidity – here was my topic of choice to talk about. I started talking about my plan to go on a singles cruise. That was my plan. Now I didn’t reveal the obvious reason for my plan, but I was talking about my plan for going on a singles cruise. The primary goal of my plan was of course to meet a woman. I was sick and tired of being 23 and single. Grace and I quickly hit it off and within 15 -20 mins she would be in my truck on our first adventure together. Going to another friend’s house to see if he wanted to join us that evening. With the large amount of snow on the ground, parking was limited. I was quick to show off my funny wit, by teaching Grace, when parking is not available, “Build a Spot!” She took to my stupid jokes and fun antics and it was the connection that I was looking for.
Grace and I were married April 29th 2000. We are knocking on 25 years of marriage. You might have questions. Has it all been marital Bliss? Was there a Rocky road? How did you overcome your challenges? What is your strategy?
Here is my summary answer to all the question you might have.
Marital bliss was short lived. My addiction to sex and my bipolar quickly created massive impact on our marriage. Rocky road and challenges are an understatement. Within 2 years of marriage I was in outpatient psychotherapy and a 12-step program for sex addiction. Somehow, for better or worse, my wife has stayed through it all.
I have been Graced by Grace. I may have brought a garbage pit to our marriage, but I was wise enough to build my foundation on a Rock. My wife is the Rock in our relationship.
My wife Grace has a story of strength. Grace has loved me unconditionally regardless of the troubles. She didn’t just sit there and take it. No that’s not how it works! YES! I have had to do the work to put sex addiction behind me. YES! I have had to do the work to learn how to live the best I can with bipolar in the background.
Together we have built a life of harmony that has a bond of strength provided by commitment and endurance of two people working together in a marriage that is blessed.
The root of the bond is Jesus. The endurance is the work it takes for two people in a marriage. Harmony is the fruit we produce together in our family. Blessing is the gifts that God has provided for us along our path. Love is the story.
There is just one point I want to make today. When I reflect on my marriage story, the first thing I can always count on is Grace. Grace from God and Grace my wife. This is my story. Gratitude of Grace. There is more to the story and I want to GIVE YOU MORE.
I am approaching one year of writing at Give Your Story. I got off to a good start but took a break in February. I got back on the horse in May of this year and have been going strong since.
The primary objective of Give Your Story is for you to share your story to provide others with Hope.
Quite frankly, that concept has not taken off here just yet. It has been me writing to the vast internet with Hopes someone will join me. Trust me when I tell you, I can write to a space of Nothing for a long time. I believe in the Power of Give Your Story. I believe we can offer others Hope with our stories. I have witnessed this time and time again. It works.
Will you join me? Will you Give Your Story? Will you offer Hope to Others?
Today’s Challenge – Give Your Story of Hope to someone.
Story Giving Guide: Your story can be about any topic. For your story to be considered it should include what happened, how you overcame the experience, and what it is like now. Your story can be submitted in a short paragraph or you can give more detail. Please keep your story to a 5-10 minute read (approximately 1000 – 2000 words) maximum. This is a safe place to share your story. You may submit your story anonymously if you choose. Obscene words if part of the story may be altered or obscured. Negative feedback to a story of hope will not be tolerated. If your story is considered for post it may be edited for spelling, grammar, content and length. Thank You.