Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Inspiring Couples

Relationship is a big part of life. What are we on earth for? Relationship with Christ.
But each relationship we have reflects of Him, in one or another. One thing I've been conscientious about lately is watching the relationship of couples that I really value and respect.

My best friend and I have talked about this quite a bit. The couples that inspire us.

Being at 7 weddings this year, I've had my share of watching couples my age. Seeing their parents, siblings and friends gather around them and share in their joy. More than that, I have friends that are now pregnant, after their weddings. And in every direction, more of my friends are getting engaged. I am so happy for them though!

As I look at those couples, I see the beginning. It's the start of something new.
Then I look around and see other couples increasing in age.

What I've realized is how different people are. There are so many ways to relate to people. There are so many ways of people showing their love for one another.

I want to encourage you to take notice of couples in your life that can mentor you and that inspire you to live more like Christ.

There are a few couples that I can name that I want to aspire to be like. :)
The first is Jen, my mentor, and her husband, J.
Jen has my mentor for almost 4 years. It was New Years Eve that she asked if she could mentor me, back in 2007 (it was almost 2008). I wasn't exactly sure what that would look like, but I wanted a mentor more than I ever let on. I wanted someone who would keep me accountable, who would speak to truth to me and know me really well. These are all things that she does.
But as I've known her family, I see more and more how Jen and J operate. They are loving and caring. There are obviously bumps in the road. The path for them hasn't been easy, but they are strong together. They are the couple that I know will always be strong together. They were also my college pastors for a while. Getting to see them lead a ministry together was SO inspiring. That is what I've always wanted to do with my husband. They inspire me to be who I am with Christ and with my husband.
Then there is a couple from my church named Marshall and Melissa. I met this couple when they started coming into Grove Coffee. We talked the first day then they sat down outside and chatted with each other. They've made Grove Coffee their regular date spot. They are the couple that you look at and see how they are truly best friends. They are easy going and comfortable with who they are. I've never felt like they were judging me. And they care SO much.  Honestly though, half the time they are there, I'm talking to them :) They inspire me to be the very best of friends with my husband.
Another couple that I truly admire is  one of my bestest friends, Dana. This January, Dana got married to the love of her life, Lucas. I got to walk along side Dana during her journey with Lucas. They have such a marvelous story. I have loved watching them grow together in their relationship with each other and with Christ. They are the couple that has inspired so many younger generations to live like them. At their wedding, I got to hear numerous people just fawn over them and how they've been such Godly examples. What kills me is their humility through all of it. They know that it's only by God's grace that they are together. And it is so beautiful to watch.

As a young woman, I wonder if I'll get to have what Jen and J and Melissa and Marshall have...but seeing Dana and Lucas. I know it's possible.

Friends, there are so many ways that you can choose to treat your significant other. My encouragement to you is be around couples that you respect and admire. Let God use them in your life to inspire you. The people who we surround ourselves with is who we will become.

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