Over the past couple years, I continue to observe these Sandhill Cranes near our home. You always see them in pairs. They have their babies, and the family unit sticks close together. These birds are loud in their calling, alert and protective when you are near, and I know that the ones near our home are well fed. Yes, I see them eating by the deer-feeder constantly. LOL.
Recently, Tim made me aware of their nesting ground. This nest, made of sticks, moss, and grass, is nestled in the marsh. I go to view the parent’s mannerisms, and am waiting on another glimpse of the eggs, so that I can capture a photo.
I can’t wait to see this one’s babies.
Did you know that Sandhill Cranes mate for life? Well, they do. I read that their courtship consists of dancing, which features jumping, running, and wing flapping. (http://myfwc.com)
Tim and I started dating in high school. We’ve had our share of dancing together, and occasionally laughing through some of someone’s (not mentioning his name *wink*) dance moves. My man makes me laugh. His moves may not have been what won me over, but his character, humor, protectiveness, and love sure did.
After dating for years, and being married 26 years (October will be our 27th), he still makes my heart dance.
Y’all, marriage is work! I believe that our children have seen an example of a godly marriage. We may not always agree with one another, but we work things out. Sure, we drive each other crazy, in good and bad ways, but we must remember that no one is perfect. We are each other’s cheerleader/encourager. We want the best for one another. Marriage is a give and take relationship. We aren’t guaranteed a “happily ever after”, but you can guarantee that Tim and I will strive for it.
As the years pass, I discover new qualities about my man. Through trials in life, and in those celebratory moments, I recognize growth in our lives that bring us closer together. I want to encourage you to always seek out those moments of growth and embrace them.
One of the many things that Tim and I do agree on is that Christ is, and needs to be, the center of our relationship.
Listen, you young folks out there, people can and will let you down. No one is perfect. But there is One who will never let you down, will unconditionally love you, and desires the best for you. His name is God.
Some advice I could give you on marriage is to:
- Remember what made you fall in love with one another.
- Laugh often.
- Love deeply.
- Be adventuresome.
- Try new hobbies with one another.
- Be passionate.
- Let your children see you truly love one another.
- Go to church.
- Pray.
- Pray together.
- It’s okay to disagree. Just make sure you communicate in a loving way.
- Choose your words carefully. They stick.
- Encourage one another.
- Be honest.
- Always strive to have a strong and godly relationship.
- Dance under the stars.
- Watch sunrises and sunsets together.
- Ahhh, please CLICK HERE to see another journal entry with a sweet list and advice on relationships.
Do you desire a love that will last a lifetime and beyond? Jesus is ready for you.
Do we all want that “Sandhill Crane-mate-for-life” type of relationship? Sure we do. I hope you find it!
Don’t give up on love.
Love may be given to you through a relationship. Yet, a true and everlasting love can be found in Christ alone.
Tim, I love and appreciate you. You are a man of God. I. Love. You.
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:9
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
Many blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
