Going the Distance

Long distance relationships are not fun. At all. So why do we do it? Oh, that's right.. we're in love. :) 

The worst part about a LDR is the constant worrying. Worrying about whether you can make it through this or not. Worrying if you can handle it! But if we were confident in our relationship remaining strong after being away from that significant other for several months:

• It wouldn't create nearly as much strain on the relationship
  
• The fighting would become minimal
  
• And a LDR would be easy! (besides the fact that you don't get to be with that person physically)

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THE SECRET:

When I was a junior in high school, I had the most wonderful Spanish teacher. I actually looked forward to going to class. She was always smiling and I admired her outlook on life. Maestra said one day, "I know the secret to a long distance relationship." I had no reason to care at the time, but I love any kind of secret so my ears perked up. In her beautiful, Spanish accent she said, "Make your love the first person you speak to in the morning and the last person you talk to at night." 

Those words have followed me for the past 7 years. I've used that advice for the last 3 during the times Logan and I were away from each other. I'd do my best to at least send a good morning text or leave a voicemail and he'd do the same at night after his game (because most of the time I was already asleep). 

When I was studying abroad in Holland a few years ago, the time change was ridiculous! Every night I wrote Logan a note (through Facebook) about my day which he would get after his summer baseball game. Then he would write one to me to wake up to. Once I read his from the night before, I would write a good morning message back (even if it was very short). Then usually once he woke up he'd tell me his plan for the day, which I would read during my lunch break. 

It was a vicious cycle, but I cherish those "letters" so much! We went a full 3 months without seeing each other. 

**Military Wives... You're amazing!! Geez. How do you do it?!

Well, we're married now, so obviously something went right during our time apart. I'm not saying it was easy. Honestly, I couldn't handle it - I'm traveling with him now. :)

But that's not God's plan for everyone and I hope this advice reaches those of you struggling in your relationship right now.

For all my single ladies that could care less about a man, much less go through the stress of a LDR with a man... Let's consider this secret in another aspect of our life.


"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9


But I'll be the first to admit that sometimes it seems as if God and I are in a long distance relationship. When God is the first person I talk to in the morning, giving Him all my cares and worries for the day, and the last person I speak to at night, thanking Him for all I've been given, my relationship with Christ strengthens significantly. 

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"People are often mistaken that it takes two people to make a relationship work. It takes three. Keep God at the center of your relationship, and all else falls away." -Someone shared this tidbit at our wedding reception (this was the gist of it at least...)

Long distance relationships are not easy. Even with FaceTime, cell phones, Skype, texting... it never will be. But I promise that making that special someone (whether it's your boyfriend, fiance, husband or God) the first and last person you speak to everyday, you will gain confidence in your relationship which will create strength. And a strong relationship can make it through anything.


-E