Yesterday, in the United States, we celebrated Independence Day with an assortment of fireworks displays throughout the country. As with this type of celebration, the day after seems like quite a letdown, doesn’t it? The evening before was exciting, filled with color, splash and sound! Today, all is quiet and serene. We can draw a correlation between celebrating the Fourth of July and marriage. How so, you might ask?

Fireworks and Marriage

When we initially meet our spouse, it’s like fireworks are going off all the time. Life is filled with excitement. Everything around us seems to come to life. Then we settle into a relationship, with its ups and downs. Yet, the fire is still strong; so strong, that we decide to marry. Much time is spent preparing for the wedding ceremony and celebration. Planning for the big day can create excitement, color and splash!

My Own Fireworks

I remember planning my own wedding 38 years ago this month. I experienced that sense of excitement, color and splash leading up to the big day. The “fireworks” associated with planning such a big event were almost overwhelming to me. Then the day itself far exceeded expectations. After that we were off on our honeymoon to Canada and the northeastern United States.

…And Then the Letdown

What I clearly remember saying to my new husband upon our return to “reality” was, “What do we do now? There is no school to finish, no wedding to plan – just everyday life!” I was at a loss, and feeling out of sorts. I felt my world of excitement had come to a crashing halt. Life was now too quiet and too serene. What I failed to realize at that moment, was that I was settling into marriage, for the long haul.

Fast forward 38 years later: Have the last 38 years been all fireworks? No! What I can say is this: Over the last 38 years, Nick and I have seen each other through good times and bad. We’ve been there for each other in sickness and in health. We’ve grown spiritually, as we age physically. And every now and then, God blesses us with some oohs and aahs – yes, fireworks!

This post also appears on Association of Catholic Women Bloggers, and Top Catholic Blogs

If you would like to purchase an autographed copy of my book, Adventures of Faith, Hope and Charity: Finding Patience, then click here.