Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, have more than one to-do list going? You’re not alone. When I was in the midst of planning my wedding I was working full-time, going to school full-time, maintaing my commitments to my local church, and attempting to manage countless other things all on top of planning a perfect wedding for 200+ people.
Chaos. Never do I want to go back to that season of my life.
Looking back on my own experience just over two years ago, witnessing my sister plan for her May wedding, watching one sister-in-law plan for her wedding in four months, and the other sister-in-law plan her June wedding along with the dozens of other brides and grooms I’ve worked with over the years, it’s not hard to miss the glazed look in most of their eyes, the overwhelming check lists and watching them try to manage the rest of their life among planning for their wedding day and honeymoon. I think we can all agree it’s a crazy time.
As you plan for the biggest day of your life, don’t forget to plan for the rest of your life.
So much time, money and energy can be spent on the wedding day, but how many of you are planning for the day you get back from your honeymoon? What are you doing to plan for the day when reality sets in and he’s not the man you thought he was or she’s not the woman you thought you married? When the laundry is piled high, when the stress of managing your finances becomes too much, when your careers are taking different paths – how do you plan to overcome hurdles in your marriage?
You might be thinking, this will never happen. Just take me at my word – it does.
Every couple goes through things they hadn’t planned for.
This is normal. No need to be scarred. This shouldn’t be a reason to put down your wedding planning guide or give him back that sparkling engagement ring he placed on your finger. This should however stir you to begin seeking out resources and people that can help guide you to figure out the mystery of marriage and not just how to survive one another but to flourish together in sickness and health till death do you part!
If you haven’t considered reading good books, meeting with couples who’ve been married much longer and seeking biblical marriage counseling, I urge you to do so!
No one will look down on you for seeking help and guidance. In fact, I think more people will have respect for you in knowing you prepared not just for the celebration of your wedding day but rather the days, months and years to come.
If you don’t know where to start, may I suggest to start by contacting your local Bible believing church, read helpful books such as Timothy Keller’s “The Meaning of Marriage” and Bryan Chapell’s “Each for the Other.”
Marriage when in it’s best form is a joy and beautiful process of sanctification. No one ever says it’s easy, but know that it’s worth it when you strive to work together.
Two years ago when Paul and I said our “I do’s” we danced our first dance together to Jason Mraz’s song, “I Won’t Give Up.” I love it even more today.
Hope this helps. Happy planning!