Lately I've been caught up in a lot of ME. It's a tendency of mine to be selfish, as I'm sure you're already aware. But I felt compelled this morning to pause.
To thank you, of course, for watching over us and for our health and for this home you've provided. But mostly, today, I want to thank you for this:
I've heard people say when they move away from home and all that's familiar, their immediate family gets closer. I think this is because they don't have anyone else--at least not at first--and when they need to express an emotion, they look to the people that know them best. In my case, it's my husband.
I've been thinking a lot lately about our society and its warped view of marriage. Couples (both Christian and non) are finding any and every excuse to throw in the towel. We flit in and out of romantic relationships and when the romance dies and it gets hard--as it's sure to--it's very easy to leave.
Easy to justify. Easy to walk away.
But not for me. I'm one of those people who loves with my whole self, and when I decided to get married, never did it cross my mind that this could be a temporary arrangement. Over this past year, I've been reminded time and again of what a blessing it is to be married to your best friend.
Reminded not to get complacent about him...because it takes very little for a marriage to unravel.
Reminded of the difference between romance and love.
He doesn't bring me flowers. He installs garbage disposals.
He doesn't take me for romantic walks on the beach. He finds me shut in the bathroom, sitting on the closed toilet crying and hugs me until I stop.
He doesn't write me love letters. He offers instead something more solid, the promise of his love. And that promise carries with it no strings. It's unconditional.
So, I sit here before you this morning, reminded again of what a precious and sacred gift my marriage is. And I'm certain you aren't the only one I need to tell. I have a hard time showing my emotions and some days I imagine Adam must ask himself why he's married to me at all...
But I feel compelled to say thank you for this man...I don't want to give you a laundry list of all the things he does for us--for me--because I know you see, but these things are many and they often go unnoticed. It is my prayer that I can find a way to properly show my appreciation, my gratitude, because my life is well-lived thanks to the love of this man.
I am blessed beyond measure. And today, I just wanted to say thanks.

