Compromiso

Here we stand arm-in-arm in our oldest child’s backyard on a beautiful summer evening, surrounded by friends and family. Candles are twinkling, tables are piled high with food, and big band music is playing out of speakers on the patio. It is our 40th wedding anniversary party, and as our daughter toasts our love and our commitment to each other and everyone raises their glasses above their heads, I catch the sight of a tear glimmering in the corner of my wife’s eye.

We didn’t make it this far because it was easy. We made it through 40 years of marriage because we vowed that we would; we were committed even when it didn’t feel like we were, and that meant never backing out, even when it was hard, or uncomfortable, or painful. We learned to compromise, and discovered that difficult situations can make you stronger and more patient.

Staying committed to your goals and dreams doesn’t guarantee you’ll have an easy road, but you’ll be working toward something important with every step you take in that direction. Tonight, the smile on my wife’s face is all I need to tell me it has been worth it.