On Friday Jeff and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. I posted a picture and status about it on facebook and was amazed at all the comments and “likes.” Normally only my good Jack photos get that many likes!

I wrote: “Five years ago Jeff and I smiled all day as we said “I do.” Through these five years we’ve seen God’s faithfulness on (literal) mountain tops and valleys. What a journey with a wonderful husband!”

I think so many people liked and commented because everyone wants a good story and a happy ending.  It’s the fairy tale everyone dreams about when they are little. And everyone can relate to the ups and downs.

For me, marriage is better than I imagined.  Of course there are ups and downs, as there are in any marriage. But the downs are less burdensome when you have someone else to help you. And the ups are even better with someone to rejoice alongside you.

Some people these days say marriage is dead, or marriage is just a piece of paper.  But it’s so much more. No other union, or non-union, has the same benefits of marriage. Married people are happier, healthier, and better-off financially (read the book – it’ll tell you a lot of research stuff).

It makes sense that worldly research would support what God’s word says. “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” Ecclesiastes 4:9.

If you “liked” or commented on my facebook post, thank you. It certainly helps to have a community of support and examples of faithful marriages.

If you’re married and going through a valley, stick with it.  There’s a mountain top ahead. And if you’re on the mountain top, stay strong. Use that strength for the valleys that may come.  No matter what comes, two are better than one.