I would like to share a few thoughts and a lot of wisdom in a conversation/mock interview with Ruth Maleski on her marriage to Jesse.. Ruth seems so young to have such wisdom, but she is living life and applying what she’s learning along the way. Ruth is a personal trainer at Peak Physique located in St. Cloud. So, Come! Sail away with Ruth and Jesse.
How old were you and Jesse when you got married? I was 21 and Jesse was 23 when we tied the knot two years ago today. We were – and still are – so young; in love; clueless; optimistic. Sounds like you two are in it to win it.
What principle could be applied to young adults – whether married, or career-minded, or work-oriented? People do much growing in their twenties. Career decisions are made, hobbies are discovered, personalities are developed. These last two years have been crucial ones, for both Jesse and me. What would you say were the two biggest results of your marriage so far? We’ve changed and we’ve grown.
Was this new stretch of your journey together easy or difficult? Honestly, it’s not all been easy – simultaneously struggling to find our place while figuring out how to do marriage well. What do you mean by ‘doing marriage well’? I mean that figuring out life and marriage with someone who cares more deeply about you than any other human in the world is a unique gift. ‘Sounds like you and Jesse are still on the love boat.
Do you sometimes wonder if or when your boat would dock? Sure. We don’t always know what we want, but we are honest with each other, there for each other, learning to be patient with each other. Hmm. Four words come to mind with that declaration: perseverance, honesty, encouragement, and patience, which, by the way, are all Biblical in concept.
What about those whose marriage boat has hit the rocks or maybe has been grounded on a sandbar? Maybe someone’s marriage isn’t what they thought it would be. Not what they signed up for. Just remember – love isn’t love if there are contingencies. Another Biblical principle – to love unconditionally. Have you had any storms you had to weather? Absolutely. There were fights, there was rain, tears even… but what is life without actual living? Actual struggles? Relationships are made of imperfect, messy people. But, being able to step back and see the beauty through the chaos is what it’s all about. 💛💛 Hmm. Eyes that look beyond the storm to see the rainbow.
What advice can you give to all married couples? Don’t be afraid to change and grow with your spouse. You are capable of creating a beautiful marriage. How so? It can be Christ-centered, meaningful, unbreakable. People don’t just wake up one day as power couples. What should they do? They can put in the work, get in the thick of it, and build a powerful partnership from scratch. In other words, be intentional. She smiled and nodded. “Yup. that’s a good word that leads to productive action.”
Any final word? All in all, being human really is so, so wonderful.
Thanks, Ruth, for letting us come, sail with you and Jesse. Thanks, too, for your positive tips and wise words.