18

Eighteen years ago---December 21, 1991---I married my best friend.

Something like two weeks later we loaded up all our earthly goods into a moving truck. We were moving from the midwest to Florida where my new husband had but one semester of college left.

We'd rented the smallest moving truck we could get. And even then, our meager belongings didn't begin to fill it. Don't get me wrong---friends and family had been gracious. We'd had umpteen bridal showers (7 to be exact) and we certainly weren't lacking. Hand-me-down, slip-covered furniture had been passed on to us. My parents bought us a washer and dryer for a wedding gift. We had all we needed.


As we celebrated our anniversary recently, I was paging through our album and came across pictures from the big moving day and our first weeks in the the lovely condo God had provided for us. And I was struck with the barrenness of it all. The bare walls. The dorm room leftovers. The junk from others which had become our treasures.

And we were happy. Deliriously happy. We had no idea how little we had. We loved each other. We were committed to each other. And we were ready to fasten our seat belts for the great adventure that God had planned for us, though somewhat oblivious to the fact it would be hard.

I love looking back at those days, for they're a reminder of how God has faithfully blessed and provided for us over the years. They're a vivid reminder to me to be content...thankful.

But even more than the material stuff of life, those pictures bring to remembrance how God has been faithful to work in us and our marriage. Who remembers those early months and years of marriage? Not too many people will honestly say how incredibly difficult those early days are as we learn to love and give and serve; as we learn to sacrifice and humble ourselves and forgive.

Looking back on that young love, I'm reminded of the amazing work of grace God has done in us over the years. Oh, we still have much to learn, but looking back, I remember where we've been; how we've changed; how we've grown. I remember the struggles, the trials, and the valleys; the joys, the wins, and the mountaintops. And I can honestly say I'm thankful for it all, because God has used it to make us a little more like Him.




I love living life, growing, and changing with my best friend. I love our history. I love our today. And I love dreaming about and anticipating our future. Loving him and being loved by him truly is a joy...a great adventure!

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely , and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it."

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24