Happiness in Family Life

My family is not perfect in any way but we are truly happy.  When I was young and dating I was terrified of marriage.  It doesn't make any sense because my parents had a great marriage and they were very happy.  I had a great home life.  I had seen some friends over the years who were not raised in great homes and had some experience awful marriages themselves.  As I got older I started to think that maybe just being on my own was the safest way to go.  I dated a lot.  I dated some great guys and I dated some not so great guys.  When I met my husband I knew I wanted to marry him but still I was terrified.  Marriage is a bit of a gamble.  I have learned some things over the last 16 years of being married. 

1. Marriage can be scary but not when you both trust the Lord and set eternal goals.
2. If you go to the temple regularly you will be unified and strong
3. life will not go by without challenges.  If you feel like life is easy then brace yourself because a storm is on its way.  
4. Nobody is perfect.  Most of all me.
5. Some of the things that bring the greatest heartache also bring the greatest joy.  Like children.  
6. A family is a team.  We are in this together.  It doesn't mean that we always agree and never have contention but it does mean that we always want what is best for each other,
7. Focus on the things that have an eternal impact.  Does God care what color your walls get painted?  No he does not. Does he care if you are having family home evening?  Yes he does. 
8. There will be bad days.
9. There will more good days than bad days. 
10. Life is not a competition.  Don't keep score. 

I love my family.  We have challenges but those challenges strengthen us and have brought a great amount of faith into our home and family.  My kids fight like any other kids but they also have each others backs.  They are each others biggest cheerleaders and this is what it is all about.  

#teamjennings

#3jennings