there's always a next time

"No long-term marriage is made easily, and there have been times when I've been so angry or so hurt that I thought my love would never recover. And then, in the midst of near despair, something has happened beneath the surface. A bright little flashing fish of hope has flicked silver fins and the water is bright and suddenly I am returned to a state of love again — till next time. I've learned that there will always be a next time, and that I will submerge in darkness and misery, but that I won't stay submerged. And each time something has been learned under the waters; something has been gained; and a new kind of love has grown. The best I can ask for is that this love, which has been built on countless failures, will continue to grow. I can say no more than that this is mystery, and gift, and that somehow or other, through grace, our failures can be redeemed and blessed." — Madeleine L'Engle

Our fourth wedding anniversary is coming up in a few days and I couldn't help but relate to the above quote. Marriage isn't something that people just breeze through. I know we don't. No matter how happy or content we may appear, our life is not a fairytale. But, with every fight or rough patch we may go through, we keep going, fueled by our commitment to make it work and our love continues to grow in ways we never thought was possible.

Mood Music: When I'm 64 by The Beatles