Now What? Embracing the Journey Beyond the Snapshot

In marriage, we often treasure the big moments—the day we met, the engagement, the wedding ceremony, or the birth of our first child. These events are like posed snapshots, carefully framed and full of emotion. But just like a photograph captures only a brief moment frozen in time, these milestones are just the starting points. The real life of marriage happens after the picture is taken. Just like in the photo above (which occurred after the posed photo) there's joy and pain after the snapshot. In the middle of our everyday living, is when the "Now What" happens. This is when "Life be Lifeing."

Much like the buildup to Christmas morning, filled with excitement and anticipation, marriage has its own moments of joyful expectation. But after the gifts are unwrapped—sometimes by 9:15 a.m.—the question remains: If life is all wrapped up in the Christmas morning gift opening, now what? The true experience is what comes after, when the packages are empty and the day continues. This mirrors marriage, where the real journey begins after the big celebrations.

Marriage Is a Continuous Journey

Growing Together Daily: Marriage is not a one-time event but a daily commitment. It requires patience, kindness, and a willingness to learn from each other. Just as faith grows when nurtured, so does love when couples invest time and effort into their relationship every day.

Facing Challenges as a Team: Life brings trials and difficulties, but marriage invites couples to face them united. With faith as a foundation, couples can find strength in God and each other to overcome obstacles and grow through adversity.

Celebrating Small Victories: Beyond the big milestones, marriage is full of small wins—moments of laughter, understanding, or quiet support. These everyday joys build a strong, lasting bond that no snapshot alone can capture.

Serving One Another in Love: Marriage is a call to selflessness and service. When couples choose to put each other's needs before their own, they reflect the love that Christ shows to us, deepening their connection and faith.

Building a Legacy of Faith and Love: Together, husbands and wives have the opportunity to build a family and a home grounded in faith. This legacy becomes a blessing not just for them but for generations to come.

Our faith teaches us that marriage is a covenant, a lifelong promise to walk together through every season. The wedding day is a beautiful snapshot, but the real story unfolds in the days and years that follow. When we ask "Now What?" after the big moments, we open ourselves to God's grace and the rich journey of love, growth, and partnership.

So, whether you are newly married or have shared many years together, remember that the "Now What?" is where true life begins. It is the ongoing adventure of living faithfully and lovingly side by side, trusting that God will guide you every step of the way.