It seems like everything in life requires a waiting game. The expectation for marriage is no different—probably because the divorce rate in the United States is currently around 40-50% (according to the American Psychological Association), and many young people feel pressured to avoid making that mistake.

But what if two people love each other so much that they'd rather be married right now? What can be said for the couple that gets married at 20, with student loans in one hand and an entire open future in the other? Can young marriage be anything other than foolish and full of bad decisions?

While the reality of divorce does serve as a deterrent for many would-be young marriages, I believe that there is another way to embrace and celebrate this type of commitment.

As someone who said "I do" to the love of her life at age 20, I can personally say that getting married young has been one of the highlights of my life so far. Furthermore, I don't think there is anything wrong with young marriage because age should not define a person or relationship.

My husband and I are not any more or less married than my grandparents (who have been married for 48 years) or my husband's grandparents (who have been married for 57 years). We are one month married and counting, and we wouldn't change a thing about our relationship.

I think that we place too much emphasis on waiting. As a society, we seem to believe that if you wait long enough for something, you'll eventually be ready to accomplish that goal or cross that threshold (as if time itself magically prepares you for whatever event you are anticipating). But if you spend your life waiting to accomplish "X" task or "Y" commitment until you reach a certain age, what kind of a life are you living?

My husband and I have had dozens of opportunities to explore life in a whole new way since we got married. If we had waited until we had reached a more "socially-acceptable" age to get married, we would have missed out on all of these adventures. And what's the harm in making mistakes if you still get to call your best friend your "husband" or "wife" at the end of the day?

I once heard some advice that I think is worth repeating. While at his daughter's wedding, a father gave a blessing that sounded something like this: "if you get married young, you get to not only grow old together, but also grow up together." There is just something so special about a marriage that spans decades and stands the test of time.

We sometimes view marriage as more love-based than anything, but it is actually based deep in friendship. Young marriage gives you an excuse to spend the rest of your life with your best friend—to grow with them as you navigate challenges, celebrations, and heartache through the years. I'm excited to grow up and grow old with my husband, and I praise God so much for allowing this to happen.