Last month, Audley and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, a milestone that feels both surreal and something to be proud of. Thirty years of building a life together isn’t something that happens by accident; it has taken work, laughter, tears, faith, and an unwavering commitment to choose each other every single day.

Marriage isn’t always easy. We’ve had our share of challenges, but we’ve learned to put our relationship first, even while raising our kids. That hasn’t meant neglecting them; instead, it’s meant showing them what a healthy, God-centered marriage looks like. Keeping Christ at the heart of our relationship has grounded us, helped us through storms, and given us happiness and peace that runs deeper than circumstance.

One thing we’ve always tried to hold onto is dating each other. Whether it’s a Friday night ice cream run, carpet picnics in the living room because we were so broke, sitting in the stands at a race, or sneaking away for a quiet weekend, we’ve made sure to keep us a priority. Over the years, we’ve also become each other’s biggest cheerleaders, encouraging, celebrating, and believing in one another through every season of life.

A Weekend in Mentone

To mark our anniversary, our kids surprised us with a much-needed weekend away, but not too far away. They booked us an adults-only VRBO cabin tucked into the peaceful hills of Mentone, Alabama (just forty-five minutes away) … at The Wilderness of Mentone. It was the sweetest gift; quiet, cozy, and free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Cell service was nearly non-existent, which turned out to be a blessing. We had no choice but to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other.

Our days were slow and simple, just the way we like them. We shopped local shops, strolled through a small farmers market, went horseback riding at Shady Grove Ranch, and even picked blackberries and gathered fresh flower bouquets at Little River Orchard.

Instead of dining out, we kept meals cozy and intimate at the cabin. Our friend Sofia, who owns Gather and Graze, prepared the most beautiful date-night grazing board for us to enjoy. We also packed sandwich fixings, pancake ingredients, fresh fruit, and other simple favorites; proof that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.

The cabin itself was everything we hoped for: warm, welcoming, and just perfect for us. We slept in, talked for hours, cuddled on the sofa, and wandered aimlessly through town. There were no schedules to keep, no crises to handle back on the farm, just bliss, laughter, and love.

Grateful for Every Moment

As we look back on thirty years, I’m reminded of how precious it is to find someone who not only shares life with you but helps you become a better version of yourself. God has been so good to us, and I’m beyond grateful for the journey He’s allowed us to walk together.

Here’s to thirty years behind us, and, Lord willing, many more ahead. May we continue to love, laugh, cheer each other on, while keeping Christ at the center of it all.