My husband is in the Air Force and is currently deployed. We have spent a lot of time in our 10 year relationship
separated. Not because we’ve chosen to
be apart, but simply because that was where God had us at different times in
our lives. It’s all about the attitude
you bring to the situation. We could
have easily called it quits years ago for the simple reason of not being near each
other; however we knew we loved each other and a little distance couldn’t
possibly mean the end for us. We've even noticed over the years how our times of separation have even been good for our relationship. Here are the things we've noticed:
1. The time we spend apart gives us a chance
to work on ourselves. Our
relationship is made up of two different individuals who have now become one. And even when you aren’t in a long distance
relationship it’s important to spend some time working on yourself. Being separated by distance is a good reminder that while
you are one with this person, you are still an individual.
2. It gives us an excuse to fall in love with
each other all over again. Being
apart reminds us of all the things we love about the other person. This deployment we did something different;
anytime we think of something we miss or love about the other, we write it down
in a notebook. When we’re back together
we’re going to read our books to each other.
3. We get to re-experience what it is like to
be newlyweds. When he gets home it’s
like when we first got married. All of a
sudden we are spending all of our time together, always holding hands, sneaking
kisses, and spending too much time in bed.
4. Our daily routine, that we took for
granted, ends up becoming so special when he returns. All the little things that were part of
our everyday lives, when he comes home, become so much more than ‘little things,’
they become big things. Waking up next
to each other everyday. Kissing each other
goodbye every morning. Making dinner
together every night. All those things
become so special again.
5. It’s a reminder to rely on God and not just
your spouse. It’s easy sometimes to
rely too much on your spouse when you’re always together. When my husband leaves I’m always reminded
that I can always rely on God, and what a wonderful reminder.
6. It builds our communication skills. We
are thankful for the technology we have today that allows us to talk at least
once a day using messaging apps, and for Skype on the days when his internet isn’t acting up. We are almost forced to become better
communicators, and our better communication skills carry over when he gets
home.
7. It builds our trust. We realized that the trust we have for
each other has definitely been shaped by the time we’ve spent apart.
8. It gives us an excuse to write each other
hand written letters. There’s
something so special about a hand written love letter.
Have any of you noticed anything good
come out of a deployment or time of separation?
