by Lisa Jordan
At the end of this month, my husband and I will celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary. We’ve never done anything elaborate to celebrate except for our 25th anniversary when we renewed our wedding vows. Usually, our celebrations revolve around dinner and maybe a movie.
This year, my husband suggested we go away for the weekend. Totally onboard with that idea, I asked where he wanted to go. He said, “How about salmon fishing?” I responded, “Sure!”
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| My husband's latest brown trout. |
Well, here’s the thing. My husband loves fishing. He’s an avid outdoorsman, particularly fishing. He’s also a professional fly tyer, so he loves fly fishing. And if he’s able to go salmon fishing, all the better.
Me? Well, not a huge fan. I dislike fish. The smell makes me gag. I don’t have very much fishing savvy. The fish see me coming and breathe a sigh of relief because they know I'm no threat to their demise. In fact, my hubby laughs when I stuff my pockets with paper towels and hand sanitizer so, in the off chance I catch a fish, I won’t have to touch it with my bare hands. Gross.
But I do love my husband. So very much.
Through the years, he’s done many things that I’ve really enjoyed and he hasn’t, but he’s done them anyway. If he wants to float a line, I’ll slip into my hip waders and cast my rod with the best of them...or at least, pretend I know what I’m doing.
You see, that’s what being married for twenty-seven years is all about—compromise. Any relationship worth savoring is about give and take. It’s about making decisions as a team with an open mind and being willing to make sacrifices for one another.
Even though I’m not so crazy about fishing, I love spending time with my husband. Seeing his happiness on the water fills me with joy, especially when he shares stories about his childhood or when we reminisce about past fishing excursions with our two sons, like the time when our youngest hooked Hubby in the back of the knee with a fishing hook, and I had to take him to the ER to get it out. Where we live, we bask in the beauty of the kaleidoscope of autumn colors. So, with the tranquil waters flowing around us, the sounds of nature serenading us, we will spend quality time with each other sharing an experience that will create a permanent memory. Because love is about compromise.
What about you? How have you compromised with a loved one? How did you end up being blessed by doing something you may not have wanted to?
Posts
Happy anniversary, Lisa! This brings up childhood memories of spending the day reading while my parents and sister fished. I don't mind fishing as long as I have a book!!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! :) I think the only way to make that "opposites attract" thing work, is to do it your way and compromise. That's very funny that you bring paper towel and hand sanitizer! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary. I couldn't agree more. I think compromise is the foundation of any long-term relationship.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely, refreshing post, Lisa. Good for you for going along with something your husband enjoys so much. As you said, you can enjoy his enjoyment and the beauty of autumn even if the fish make you gag! Happy Anniversary.
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! That's a real accomplishment. I think too many people hit a rough patch and bail before they realize there are ups as well as downs to any relationship. I try to remember Jesus came to serve and not to be served when it's my turn to compromise. =)
ReplyDeleteJill, thank you! I'll have my phone with me (in its waterproof case), so when I get tired of fishing, which will be much sooner than Hubby, I can sit on the bank and read books on my phone. Win-win, I say. :)
ReplyDeletePatty, thank you. Compromise is one of the reasons we're able to celebrate 27 years. Believe me, my husband rolls his eyes at my fishing antics, but he still loves me, so it's all good. :)
Jean, thank you. When couples are willing to compromise, I feel it shows a humble heart toward one another.
Linda, thank you. My husband has walked through so many craft stores with me, so I have no problem going fishing with him. I can put on my big girl pants to have fun with him. :)
Deb, thank you. You're so right. Those rough patches can make or break a marriage. I'm striving to have a Jesus heart when it comes to my relationships.
Very nice and one of the major ingredients of 27 happy years. You both deserve the best and have it in each other. Proud of you. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you about the sanitizer and tissue! But not always. lol. I used to fish, not because I wanted to but, like you, my husband liked it. I get bored if they're not biting and bored if they are. ;-) And again, I always had a book to read like you. HaPPy AnnIverSaRy!
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I'm learning that comprise is continual. Love the bit about hand sanitizer, I'm so with you!
Thanks so much, Dee!
ReplyDeletePat, I get bored, too, but it will be a great experience for both of us....and great research for an upcoming book. 😊
Alena, you're so right about compromise being continual and it's not always easy.