It’s our anniversary.
12 years ago, this man next to me said “I do.”
Yesterday, he single-handedly replaced a toilet. He even mopped the floor before installing the new one.
This morning, he held out a strong, steady forearm so I could haul my pregnant self over the maternity pillow for an early morning snuggle.
This morning, he realized we’d all be leaving in one car to get to church, so he rushed his shower and morning routine to be available for kid wrangling.
This morning, he served God, fulfilling several ministry roles at our church.
This morning, he connected with visitors and church members. He joked with teenagers. He wrangled some more kids.
He hugged me.
This afternoon, he rested.
This evening, we planned out our upcoming hotel stay. Then he studied for a class, working toward his Master’s degree from seminary.
He flirted with me.
He ate supper, then wrangled more kids while I took some time to meet with a friend for Bible study and prayer. He chased balls, gave batting tips, changed peed-on panties, kissed boo-boos, and got PJs.
He is now studying some more.
He will hold me again before sleep, breathe into my hair, wrap strong steady arms around me again. He will pray for me. He probably has several times today already.
This man. I’m still amazed at the grace of God that brought us together. This man, whose daily routine is set on and around serving and glorifying God.
He is mine. God gave me to him, and him to me.
12 years ago, I couldn’t know all that would be included in that “I do.” We’ve definitely been through some tough things.
But we are strong. We are stronger than ever.
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Matthew 19:6 NASB
I don’t know what the next 12, 30, 50 years will bring. I don’t want that knowledge now, really.
I want him. I want to keep wanting him. I want him to keep wanting me. I want to keep serving God with him.
I want the grace of each day.
I want the sweetness of hugs in the midst of frustration.
I want to keep praying together. (Do you pray together, friend? Do you keep God in your relationship so that no man or woman or thing can separate you?)
I want what we have, my love. I want to keep on having what we’ve been given.
I want you. I love you. I want us. I love us.
Happy anniversary.
