Unexpected Anniversary Lesson

This week sweet hubby and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. The days leading up to the date were filled with the demands and rhythms of life and we held off any celebrations for a few days. 

One of those life scenarios dealt with our vehicle. Since my knowledge of my car consists only of driving and putting gas in, sweet hubby has always urged me to pay attention if something is not right and let him know. I noticed a different sound while driving and mentioned it to him. Together we went to the car and determined the sound came from the fan of the air conditioner control knob. 

Anniversary day came and as he went to work, I was to take the vehicle to the repair shop and tell them what was wrong. The technician came to the car and listened. "The blower fan is stopped up" was the quick diagnosis. A series of questions were asked such as did I park under trees, were pine trees near the car etc. Usually leaves can fall and get trapped in this area and hinder the fan from  blowing correctly.  Answering no to all the questions, they took the car back to take a look. 

After examining the car, it was determined a mouse has found it's way into the blower and made a completely round nest! We had never seen a mouse around the car or house, never heard it or found other evidence of it. The mouse simply snuck in and made a nest which blocked the fan from moving freely. The repair cost ended up being much more than we would have spent on any anniversary gift, but since air conditioning through a Florida summer is a priority, we made the payment.

Through 30 years of marriage, we've walked through and experienced the truth of those vows - for better for worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer. We've learned commitment, sacrifice, extending grace and forgiveness. Through daily life, just like that little mouse built, traps can come and hinder the flow of a good marriage. Breezing through the days we may hardly notice a patch of stuffing being built up bit by bit. Attitudes, words, selfish desires, not considering the other spouse and a dozen other little things can be used to build a nest bit by bit that hinders the flow of love. By the time the noise in my car began, the nest was fully formed. In our marriages, if we allow these little hindrances to build, they can cause 'noise' in our marriage. 

The cost for cleaning out the nest in my car was steep and in the future, I will be alert for any mice activity. The fix for cleaning out a nest in a marriage would be much more steep. Daily diligence, attention and keeping the lines of love and communication open will go a long way to distract any nest builders.

Happy 30th to us. I will always remember the life lesson and gift!