Why Would I Get Married Young?

**  I wrote this post back in February when I had my other blog, Crown and Rubies. But in honor of my friends' wedding today, I thought I'd share it with you guys!**

"Wait, you're married?!"

"Yep. I am."

"And how old are you?"

I get this probably about three times a week whenever someone gets a glimpse of my ring or if I say the word "husband". For the most part, I get why people look so shocked when they realize that I am a wife: I look like I just graduated from high school. But when I tell them I am 23, the shocked look is almost immediately replaced with a look of now, why in the heck would you get married so young?

While most people were supportive when the hubs and I got engaged, we were bombarded with:

• Why do you want to get married so young?
• You both need to experience life more so that you know who you are and what you want.
• What's the rush? You are still so young?
• Are you sure you are ready for marriage?

Those who confronted us with these questions and statements did not do so out of malicious intent, but it did reveal to me just how much the world has gotten away from the Bible. Nowadays, young adults are encouraged to use their late teens and 20's for chasing a degree and career, dating around, and finding out "what makes them happy". Now, there is nothing wrong with these things (besides dating around) in their proper contexts and with the leading of the Holy Spirit, but... well, that's another post for another day.

Being a Christian and knowing the importance and sanctity of marriage, the hubs and I had already asked ourselves those questions long before we got engaged. We did not choose to get married young; I just happened to be 23 years old and he just happened to be 24 years old. We had already been together six years by the time we were engaged, so it is safe to say that we knew each other quite well before he got down on one knee. Now does this mean I agree with 13 year olds getting married? Ummm, no. But just as 13 year olds may not be mature enough to handle marriage, there are some 40 year olds out there who aren't mature enough as well. Being married young points back to God and the Holy Spirit that dwells in us: in a generation that is used to throwing things away that appear to be broken or no longer make them "happy", our lasting marriage will show our submission to Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit above our feelings. Our marriage isn't about us. It isn't about what we want. Marriage is about Christ. It's about Christ's unconditional love for His bride, the Church. The journey toward marriage should ultimately be led by the Holy Spirit, just like any other decision in life.

I prepared my heart to be a wife and helpmeet. The hubs and I have spent time reading the Bible, reading biblical relationship books, and being on our face in prayer in preparation for our marriage. I was and am fully aware of my responsibilities as a wife and, in the future, as a mother and I don't take those responsibilities lightly. We don't take our vows lightly. We know divorce is not an option. 

Yes, preferences change, and will continue to change as long as we live. While at 23 years of age I may like skinny jeans and winged eyeliner and at 33 I will grimace at any picture of me rocking either items, I know my desire to serve and submit to God's Will for my life will never fade. God called me to be a wife, and whether that timing was at 23 or 43, I was going to answer that calling.

Any young wives out there that want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment down below!