Starting Right
We are more than halfway through our 9 week premarital group at church and I can already tell I’ll be sad when it’s over. Before we started we took a Symbis Assessment and throughout the course we’ve slowly been given our paired results. It has been fascinating learning how similar Blake and I are in certain categories and also our differences. I’ve been pleasantly surprised how in-sync we already are on many of the big issues and we’ve had a few good laughs along the way as well (example: we both nominated ourselves to do the car maintenance but really since I work at a dealership I make more sense despite being less handy). Also, we may have a few fights along the way because we both want to take out the trash and I’ve pretty much forbidden Blake to go grocery shopping because he doesn’t use lists or budgets. Truly though, the biggest blessing has been our group - with amazing leaders and three other couples to learn from (all of whom have been together longer than we have) it’s been such a gift.
Next week you’ll get to read the post I wrote for Blake and I’s one year anniversary. I’ve been enjoying so much the last few weeks leading up to our first big milestone together but the truth is, from day one Blake has felt like a ‘forever thing’. Unlike boyfriends before him I’ve never once thought about dumping him. For a year it’s always been us - together, a team, building for a long future. Even though in so many ways being with Blake has come so easily and naturally it’s been a top priority to both of us to start out right. I was a little scared to ask Blake how he felt about a 9 week premarital class when were not even engaged yet but our church (Grace Family Church in Ybor City, FL) advertises the class as for seriously dating and engaged couples and we count as that! Like all of my schemes he was a little surprised at first but then took it in stride. Now, 6 weeks later I think we’d both agree it’s a fantastic way to grow together as a couple. 10/10 recommend, ya’ll.
Why share this? Well, my encouragement is: invest time in what’s important to you. I believe most things can be learned in life if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. So for me finding a class and a group where we can build a strong, biblical foundation for a healthy relationship has been a huge win. It’s been a bigger sacrifice on Blake’s part because it’s not close to his house (or work) and he’s had to coordinate a dog too but I think he’d agree with me: it’s been so worth it. Here’s to starting out strong as we near the end of year one with our sights set on forever.
