6 a.m. Conversations

Since nobody told me I will give you this bit of advice before you say, “I do.” The the butterflies eventually retire, the fireworks fade, and one day, you’ll find yourself arguing over who left the gas tank on empty…again.

That’s love, the real kind. It’s not picture-perfect smiles and constant excitement. It’s two people trying to navigate life, pay bills, stay sane, and somehow still like each other in the process. Love is beautiful, but it’s also work; quiet, consistent, often overlooked work.

Let’s be honest at 6 a.m., I’m not out here trying to change the world. I’m just trying to gather my thoughts, remember what day it is, and not trip over the dog. But somewhere between the quiet and the sunrise, I’ve learned a few things about love, faith, and the in-between spaces where both get truly tested.

At 49, I’ve discovered that relationships aren’t the fairytales we thought they’d be. They’re more like boot camp with blessings. Long days, early mornings, and moments where you question all your lifes decisions. But then, just when you’re ready to wave the white flag, something reminds you why you signed up in the first place.

I’m a retired Air Force guy, family man, football coach, and a follower of Jesus Christ who’s still learning what love really requires. And even with Him leading the way, I can tell you now: relationships will test your patience, your pride, and yes, occasionally your liver and blood pressure.

I used to think love was about passion, that spark you feel when everything is new and easy. But real love doesn’t need to be loud to be strong. These days, love looks like grace after disagreement, patience during silence, and laughter when things don’t go as planned. It’s remembering your partner isn’t your opponent, even when they’re getting on your last dang on nerve.

Sometimes, love is just surviving the day without saying something you’ll regret. It’s realizing forgiveness is more valuable than being right. It’s choosing presence over perfection, and showing up when it would be easier not to.

And yes, love can feel routine but I’ve learned that routine is what roots it. The rhythm of shared moments, the ordinary days, the inside jokes — that’s where the good stuff grows.

So no, I don’t have it all figured out. But I’ve learned this: love matures. It trades the fireworks for warmth, the excitement for endurance, and the fantasy for faith. And honestly, that’s a trade worth making.