Nathan and Michelle Jones, my wonderful parents, have been married for 31 years today! Although they are little to nothing alike, they love each other more than anything.
The photo above was taken while they were engaged I believe. It is my favorite photo of them. I know it is impossible, but I wish I could have seen them while they were dating and young in love. Even though watching them maintain their relationship is wonderful, I still wish I could have watched it originally develop. I feel blessed to have been raised by such good people and observed their successful, loving relationship. They have taught me a lot both directly and indirectly about how to love and be loved, how to respect others and accept respect and how to ultimately devote your heart and soul to another person. My 18-year-long front row seat allowed me to take good notes on how to live a happy life and maintain a joyful marriage from the best.
Just some of the important things that they do to strengthen their relationship are…
- Always put each other first. #1 priority. (even above children which I use to not but now appreciate haha)
- Serve each other.
- Pay attention to each other’s needs and do whatever needed to fill those needs.
- Support each other in their hobbies. (When I was in junior high, my dad built a 350 dirty bike, massive motorcycle, in our living room. It was winter so my mom let him do it in the house although she didn’t love the idea. Also my mom is a musical genius and my dad attends every concert she performs in, cheering her on the entire time.)
- Make time for each other. (Today on their anniversary they are going to the temple and out to dinner together. They are both super busy but know their relationship is more important than everything else they do and it deserves time.)
- Never intentionally hurt the other’s feelings. (My mom told me they promised each other they would do this when they first got married. This promise builds a specific and important level of trust because you can count on your spouse to never be mean on purpose. This way when your feelings are hurt, you know that a mistake was made unknowingly and you’re predisposed to forgive the offender. Genius.)
- Love each other unconditionally.
- Pray together.
- Kiss frequently. (And the fairly frequent butt grab. Dad does it to mom all the time. Is it weird to think that is adorable?)
I am grateful for the nearly perfect example of a heavenly marriage that my parents have shown to me and my siblings. Their love for each other has shown us their capacity to love, in turn helping us to recognize how much they love us, their children. After 31 years, their love still grows every day.
I LOVE YOU TWO!! HAPPY 31st ANNIVERSARY!!
Some wedding photos included just for fun!
My mother’s immediate family. (including in-laws)