a calm in the storm : Issue No. 5 "quick sand or solid rock"

The past couple of weeks we've been taken through the gamut of emotions and experiences. We've photographed amazing couples whose weddings we were privileged to share in, we've worked with people who have a passion to see their dreams become a reality, we've welcomed our third niece into the world who is just as beautiful and miraculous as our other two nieces, and we've watched our friends experience a loss greater than anything we can understand, their daughter, Adalyn, when she was only 17 hours old. Our hearts can't ever truly understand the depth of their sadness and the journey ahead of them. So this calm in the storm is in honor of our friends, Andrea and Kylo. They have inspired us in a way few people have with a faith and strength they have received from God to show us that when your relationship is founded on solid rock, you can persevere through anything. Their relationship is not in jeopardy, their hearts do not question one another, they stand strong together to move forward with the cards that have been dealt to them. As a husband and wife, as a mom and a dad, they choose to put one foot in front of the other and thank the Lord for the blessings they have. I can't say I would respond the same way, I've never been through their journey. So, my challenge to you, can you look at your relationship and say it's founded on solid rock or quick sand? Have you asked the tough questions as you prepare for your wedding day, or as you look for the ring to propose, or wait to be proposed to, or celebrate your wedding anniversary? What if you can't have kids? Do you adopt? Do you turn to the medical field for help? Can you afford it? Are you equal bread winners? Will someone stay home and watch the kids or do you plan on finding child care or a nanny? With which family do you spend the holidays? What if something happens to one of your kids? What school do they go to, private or public? Are you willing to support your spouse through the loss of a parent or family member? Are you a team? Are we in this for the long haul, joys and sorrows, fun and boredom, hard work and relaxation? You never know what life will throw at you, whether you have a strong faith or no faith at all, you will have a journey. And if you don't have a relationship founded on solid rock, you will find that journey to be harder than it needs to be. So take the time, talk about the hard stuff, your answers don't have to be perfect, you just have to be willing to walk down the path together. I promise you, from experience in our marriage and watching those around us, it's well worth the sweat, tears and laughter. Remember, you're planning for a lifetime, so it's worth the effort now.