Family: My Greatest Gift After God | March 2025

If I had to sum up what matters most in my life, it would be simple: God first, family second. That truth wasn’t always front and center in our marriage, but about ten years ago, my husband and I chose to realign our priorities. We began putting God first — and right behind Him, we chose each other. Since then, our home has become a place of peace, growth, and intentional love.

We’ve been together for seventeen years. Like any relationship, ours has had seasons — highs, lows, and lessons learned the hard way. But today, I can honestly say we are stronger, closer, and more committed than ever before. And that strength didn’t just happen — it came from effort, prayer, and the everyday choice to love each other well.

For me, loving well means serving my husband wholeheartedly. He is the bread and butter of our family, working hard every day to provide for us. In return, I make it my mission to make his life a little lighter — with simple things that carry deep meaning. I wake up early to make his breakfast, pack his lunch, and prepare a warm dinner for when he comes home. These acts may seem small, but they are my way of honoring him, supporting him, and showing that I see and appreciate all that he does.

Our days are filled with intentional moments. We attend church together every Sunday — it’s our weekly reset and a way to keep God at the center of our lives. Afterward, we spend the day simply enjoying each other. Sometimes that looks like dining out, going for a hike, or lounging at home on the couch with our two adopted dogs. Other Sundays, I cook a big, delicious meal and we unwind in our backyard or float in the pool. It’s not about what we do, but that we do it together — that we protect that sacred time as a family.

In the evenings, we take neighborhood walks with our pups — just the two of us (and four furry feet), catching up on our day. It’s become one of my favorite parts of our routine. There’s something powerful about carving out that time to reconnect, no matter how busy life gets.

Though we don’t have children, our two dogs are a big part of our family. I take care of all their needs — from daily meals to walks and everything in between. They’ve brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our home, and I’m grateful for them every day.

What I’ve learned over the years is that family doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It’s not about size or structure — it’s about love, faith, and intention. Ours is still a work in progress, but each year, we grow a little closer, a little stronger, and a little more grounded in what really matters.

God is our foundation. Family is our heart. And every day, I wake up thankful for both.

What are some of things that you do together as a family? I would love to hear what your rituals or traditions that you share as a family.

Let’s Reflect Together:

1. What are some meaningful ways you’ve been spending time with your family lately?
2. Are there any family traditions or rituals—big or small—that help you stay grounded in faith and connected with loved ones?
3. How do you make space for prayer, gratitude, or stillness in your home?
4. Is there a simple practice or moment in your week that brings your family closer together?
5. What’s one tradition from your childhood you’ve passed on—or hope to pass on—to the next generation?