Thoughts on 13 years of marriage

Over the past 13 years

- we've had major paradigm shifts personally, relationally, psychologically and spiritually. (I remember Reid saying from the outset that he wanted us to allow each other the freedom to change and not stay the way we were. So glad that he built that premise into our "marriage DNA." )

- we've moved 7 times - 6 times with children and 3 times out of state - and though each move seems to get harder I'm so thankful we've always joyfully moved WITH each other and had each other there for love and support during the difficult times of transition.

- We've entered the adventure of child raising, the world of "running your own business," left our comfort zones for new adventures God was calling us to, and run headlong into the world of homeschooling, (and had to let go and entrust God with public schooling), delved into the mysteries, confusion and joys of ADHD and the adventure of serving in full-time ministry

- I think of walks on the beach, sunsets in the Smokies, thunderstorms in the Rockies and sunrises in all three areas....and am amazed at the creation God has allowed us to see with our own eyes.

- we've spent most of our lives not really knowing what we were doing - a lot of time thinking we did - but thankful that He actually knew all along, still knows and carries us through one day at a time

- Some things haven't changed - like our music preferences! :)

- I think of times of mutual misunderstanding and hurt followed by restoration and sweet forgiveness, times in which hopelessness at what we were facing seemed to overwhelm our hearts ... and then Jesus met us with His sweet mercy with the dawn of the morning, hope rising in our hearts as the sun rose on the horizon.

- I think of many funny quotes and the things our kids have said that have kept us laughing. I see three little (or not so little) faces, bright blue eyes, precious reminders of our love

- I see beautiful purple and white wildflowers in a vase in the kitchen this morning and an empty cup of tea by the kitchen sink....both sweet reminders of Reid's love, the way he serves me and our family... a reminder that anniversaries are not all about trips away or extravagant gifts or over-the-top creative ideas. But about loving each other in the nitty-gritty's of life, expressing our love in simple ways, by loving and serving each other ....when we're tired, even grumpy ....and being living expressions of God's grace, forgiveness, hope and love to each other.

I am richly blessed indeed. Happy 13th Anniversary Reid! :) Thanks for the beautiful flowers you picked, the cup of tea you made and the fire you put in the fireplace this cold morning. I love you!