Twenty-two years ago (today), two very young people were married.

It was us. We were those people.

Back then, we had no idea what would happen over the next two decades. That we would live in eight different places in four different cities. That we would hold so many different jobs. That we would run the tires off my dream car (Jeep Grand Cherokee) and trade it in for something else before trading it in for a minivan. And be happy about it.

We had no idea that we would face infertility battles. Or unemployment. Or debt. Or depression.

We had no idea that we’d have two beautiful children (although we did already have their names picked out). Or that my husband would become okay with having a cat.

No idea we’d lose my mother-in-law nine years ago.

The last twenty-two years have been full of ups and downs. But you know what? That’s okay. That’s life. You know what makes it okay?

One, that we have God to help us through it all.

And two, that we had each other.

We could have given up. Infertility is hard. Depression from unemployment is hard. Having it all at once? Awful. But, instead of letting it tear us apart, we used those years to grow closer to each other and grow stronger in our faith.

Moving multiple times? Not always easy. I’ve never lived anywhere as long as we’ve lived in middle Tennessee. And while it does come with blessings too (cleaning out unwanted junk from your house every few years), it also comes with leaving behind friends and having to make new ones. Not to mention finding a place to live and getting all the utilities hooked up.

The best part was that I didn’t have to go through anything alone. I always had my best friend with me. The one who makes me laugh. The one who feels like home, no matter where we are. The one I go to when I need to talk through Bible questions or confirm a history fact while editing. I can’t imagine parenting without him. He’s the calm when I can’t keep my cool.

So, twenty-two years. It’s a lot. And not a lot at the same time. Our goal is many, many more. And if you’re doing life together with your special someone, we’re rooting for you too. It’s worth it.

Happy anniversary to us. And here’s to many, many more.

How many years are you on?