It. Takes. Two.

/ Yinka (Anthonia) Gansallo-Lawrence

 

ur partEvery relationship we are in right now is a journey we choose to go on. Whether persuaded, coaxed or dazed by love at first sight.

We all go in it with open minds and crazy expectations! ‘well, except otherwise minded.

Either chasing after imaginary star-studded dreams or collecting a trophy-partner.

While every adventurer on that journey is either never equipped enough to embrace a detour when needed or too rigid in accepting that, there will always be a need for digression. Someday, somehow, when life falters.

So, have you ever looked back at your life, ‘like twenty-one-years ago and wondered whatever happened to the younger you? Youthful zeal outgrown by series of stifling events? Cherished memories erased by blurry visions of life’s challenges? Beautiful people, places and time once known now replaced by leftovers or shadows of their shells?

Are circumstances around you now the determining factors of joy and peace in your life? Is hope still sealed within your heart as you continue to navigate this much-rated pledge called, marriage?

In as much as I try to convince my 3 kids that I was actually “petite, cool and all that” even before I got married 21 years ago…’they always throw their heads back, flash their upcoming and unadulterated wisdom teeth, clap their hands in teenage astonishment with a silly smirk and laugh at me, I guess they find it unbearably inconceivable to accept!

MAC 1

They usually give me that look of…how can? You, Mom? Until they can’t contain it and blurt out saying…

“MOM, STOP TRYING TO BE COOL!!”

It’s like no amount of the reigning teenager’s dance moves #Scissors #Shoop or #Floss I attempt with them at home during our kitchen-Zumba-dance-show-off could convince these kiddos that hope and patience are still and will always be my wheel of alignment for life…especially in my marriage, that each day brings fresh possibilities and opportunities for us to trust God more.

Mind. Blowing.

MAC 2

Am I missing something in my adult life? Or is the element of hope and patience a thing of despair as we age gracefully in a relationship? Is there a time or age limit for couples to be “cool” and “all that” because they are so comfortable with each other?

Isn’t this the downfall of most relationships this days? When we think ‘we are so grown and over the jolly, child-like courting emotions we used to portray?

When we let go of the spark we used to have, because we have secured a 6 pack man or 6-figure job?

It takes two to tango! It takes two to scatter, it take two to gather!

I usually still do the 80’s and 90’s dance moves or music, just to show my brewing-millennia at home that, “Yeah, mom still got it! Or rather, Mom and Dad still got it! The moves, the vibes, the connection and most of all Hope and patience to get us all through every phase and challenge life brings…

MAC 3

So today as I celebrate my 21st wedding anniversary in a very quiet, intimate, soul-searching, goals setting-getaway with my husband and 3 kids, far-far away on a private Island tucked within the upper peninsulas, our only mode of transportation being loyal-horse driven wagons and rental bicycles, soaking up the sun and getting amazed at the different species of chipmunks and butterflies ever created!

I couldn’t help but reminiscence on the lessons learned and acquired over the years or the path of despair hope helped restored. Hoping someone reading this will lay down the expectations required in their relationships right now and throw it all at God’s will.

Because…

  1. Our hope is not hope until it is up against desperate circumstances! Hope is not hope until it becomes the ability to believe in the promise, even when we cannot see the proof – but yet, we are able to rejoice today, for what’s coming tomorrow…

  2. Our patience must also have the capacity to be wronged and not retaliate. To be patient is to have the ability to endure, but it doesn’t stop there when you are hurting. But, it-will-get-better! Be Encouraged!

Yours in HOPE as I share one of my favorite songs from 21 years ago…

Yinka.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 thoughts on “It. Takes. Two.”

  3. Congratulations to u both…Life is a journey with so many facets of people you meet along the way. Many are the detours of life; Marriage, l believe it’s a journey just for 2. Two different hearts, that beat as one, different minds that rubs together,different drums that only you two knows the secret code. Once you know the secret code, then twenty-one years of “having the time of your lives”, it’s nothing but a Funfilled journey!
    CONGRATULATIONs….Wishing you a life time of marriage🍾🎉🎷🎺🎻🎸🎂☕️

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  4. Beautiful!
    I couldn’t agree more with ” Hope and patience being the source of alignment in life”
    May God continue to bless you and keep you both in love and hope.
    Happy Anniversary 🎉🎉

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  6. Hot mama that is 21 yrs married. I salute you Mummy Tonia. God is forever faithful.
    You and my dear Uncle will celebrate many more years in Jesus name. At least 80 more years in great shape and best of health!

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  24. Wow!
    I love Mackinac Island!!! Got married there 5 years ago. It was so magical with the horse driven carriages and 5 course meals at the Grand Hotel!!
    Love your write up all the way..
    You’re amazingly gifted!!

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  25. Awesome read! Am learning and growing from your messages. Congratulations Sis! Looking forward to my 10th next year and praying to have you at my book signing too in Manchester.
    Love.
    Abiks.

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  26. Totally on point!
    You must discuss this at our next ladies’s gathering, please.
    Congrats, you always deliver your message with strong baseline.
    Keep it up.

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