We’ve all had them. Circumstances don’t go the way we planned. Or worse something happens that sends your emotions reeling. It’s hard to believe the unthinkable happened and you have to deal with the aftermath of a difficult situation.

This was our week last week all while we were away together celebrating our anniversary.

We had to reign in our thoughts about things happening at home about which we couldn’t fix. We had to do this in order not to let the bad rob the good.

FOCUS ON THE GOOD

We were still together. We were still in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee. We were able to have relaxing fire pit nights on chilly evenings. And we enjoyed lots of good food, coffee and conversation.

It was a great time and we made memories.

When we got home I got a call from a cousin in Oklahoma telling me her sister had died that morning. This sister had just visited our home the week before we left for lunch; It was hard to believe and all I could do was cry.

This made me remember how brief life is and we have no guarantees of tomorrow.

Here are three important reminders to help your relationship when life turns for the worst:

1. Tell your spouse you love them everyday.

2. Never leave the house mad without attempting to resolve the argument. If that was the last time you would see your spouse the regret would be tormenting.

3. Don’t allow disappointment and hardship to rob the plans you and your spouse have made.

Life is a balance between hardship and blessing.The former we can’t control, the latter we can purpose to be grateful

These photos are highlights of our trip. Even though we were in difficult times, we made many wonderful memories.

We’re learning that waiting for life to get back to normal is futile. This is life—the good and bad. We must embrace it all and trust that God is with us every step. He will always be faithful.