This post is a continuation of my Wedding Day Countdown – 10 things I want you to know before your wedding day. (Original post – http://wp.me/p2Uy1y-wv )

Marriage isn’t always a Harlequin romance and eventually that honeymoon stage will come to an end. It’s stressful. It’s complicated. There is paperwork, moving, organizing, housekeeping, and long fights…this is reality. But it’s okay.

There’s going to be an adjustment period.  Bringing two different lives together is no small task. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. We are not mind readers, open communication is key.  Before telling the other how perfect your way is, ask why the other does things that way.  Learn about one another.  You have a lifetime ahead of you and every moment can be a teaching moment. Learn from one another. Each of you will bring your strengths and weaknesses into this marriage.  God made you distinctly different for a purpose.  It was intentional!  Work together. Find YOUR way, together.  Don’t compare your marriage to anyone else’s; especially in the age of social media. People generally show you only what they want you to see. Everyone has struggles.

Dear Lord, I pray that You give my daughter and future son.in.law a deep desire to work through their struggles and stick together when they are tempted to walk away. Grant them the discipline to quickly forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Bless them with a sense of how they fit together – from two individuals into one and a willingness to really listen and not take one another for granted. Keep away those who would hurt their marriage and help them to appreciate and build one another up. Amen.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together, we can do wonderful things.” ~Mother Teresa