Growing Old in the Snow

You know you're a senior when every time it snows, you convince yourself that it's too dangerous to drive. It's a beautiful thing.

So... today is my little friend Nicki Wagner's 10th birthday. Turning 10 was more of an accomplishment for me than anything else, as I'm sure is true for her. No more single digits, teenage years were dead ahead, and I could finally run up to my parents and make them nauseous simply by saying (which, at the age of 10, meant yelling), "MOM! DAD! I'M A DECADE OLD!" Of course, the only thing that parents take from this innocent statement is that they are, in fact, a decade older.

As I approach my 18th birthday, I'm reminded of how short life really is. All of my childhood memories seem like only days ago, when, really, they are much farther away. Going the other way is even more baffling. Eighteen used to seem so old to me; now it seems so young. Looking ahead to when I'll get married seems like an eternity away, but the years from now until then will go faster than I can imagine.

The thought of growing old with someone is very daunting. "'Til death do us part" is a long time. But growing old with someone is something that is so rare and special nowadays that it must be more than simply getting wrinkles and drinking prune juice together until you die. It's about growing together as you shrink together (cue drum set). Learning to love one another rather than tolerate each other. Living in the present and enjoying every moment together rather than living for whatever the future may have to offer.

Marriage was never meant to be like dating on steroids. It is something special, permanent, and holy. It is the representation of Jesus' relationship with His Church, His Bride. Though He may get frustrated with her at times, He will never divorce her. She may cheat on Him, but He will never stop loving her.

As a girl, I get extremely excited at the thought of my wedding day. It's the day we girls have dressed up for since we were little. The day we've thought of on many first dates. But it's also the day we've been ill-prepared for by Hollywood and Nicholas Sparks. Jerks.

As a Christian, though, I get to practice. God is my husband. He is meant to be the "head of the house." He will guide me through decisions when necessary, and sometimes make them for me; but, most of the time, He wants to make decisions with me. Though we may disagree at times, it is my duty, as a wife, to submit to my husband - my God, my King, and my Love. I will grow old with Him first, and then with my husband on earth.

Practice doesn't make perfect.. it just makes life a lot easier.