There I sat. Waiting for my long lost friend with a huge cup of coffee at Panera. She walked in and something inside of me jumped. Amber Thomas is not just any friend. She’s one of those people that if you’ve known her for a season of your life, you’ll always remember her. Honest, real, deep, and has a sweet relationship with Jesus.
We sat down and talked about our lives, marriages, friends, family, the past, all of it. We had something similar in common, our first year of marriage was hard. Harder than we ever dreamed. Not saying that Ben was a terrible husband. It was hard because you are dying to your own selfish desires and expectations. Especially for us women. We have all these expectations and lofty thoughts of what marriage consists of. No one ever told me the hurtful feelings I would have towards my husband when he did something not so loving or selfish. I dreamed of late night talks and him romancing me every waking hour of my existence.
Ben and I have had our ups and downs and time where we’ve had to sacrifice our own flesh and think of God’s heart for the other. It’s not easy to love big. It takes risks and sometimes heartache. But when I look back, I wouldn’t trade any of it. None. He is the best husband a girl could ask for. A broken girl who has a very broken past. I don’t deserve him but God was gracious in His mercy to give him to me.
Note to single or engaged girls: It’s not a fairytale. It never will be. It’s about taking a risk to die to your own selfish desires and put your spouse’s desires and dreams above yours. That’s true marriage.
So when she asked me to do a one year anniversary bridal shoot, tears started welling up in my eyes. I was honored and so excited! It was a very cold day but it was totally worth it. Enjoy!
Amber Holt Thomas, I am so honored to have gotten to know you! What a precious gem you are! Hope your life is full of happiness! 🙂