In two hours, it will be September 24th. Two years ago, September 24th was a long-anticipated day. After two years of dating, one of them living hundreds of miles apart, we were pretty excited to be getting married. As many experienced and know well, our September 24th was not the one we'd hoped for. Our outdoor wedding turned into a cozy, indoor ceremony. The stormy skies ruined our original plans, but the necessary changes made for an unforgettable day. Never have I felt as loved as I did on that day. We have a beautiful community of friends and family.
The day was amazing. It was definitely not perfect, but it was significant and filled with all the essentials - creative touches, loved ones, Truth and each other. It was a day rich with history and sincerity.
Today, almost two years later, I'm simply thankful. I've appreciated the growing honesty amongst married couples when they admit to imperfect first years. We all know that it's easy to broadcast the sweet, picture-worthy moments of marriage and life together. I'm happy to say those moments are growing more frequent as Reed and I learn together. It's been a little bit of a road getting there, though. We'll be walking that road for a while. These first two years have held a lot of tears, fears and many cheers. There have been ugly words and heavy silences. We've moved three times, started new jobs twice, struggled with finances, felt lonely and questioned God's plans. In May, we lost of first baby. That definitely wasn't in our plans. We've grieved, grown and trusted in deeper ways.
The last two years have also held the biggest joys, the cheers, of life. We've welcomed new members into our families and we've spent extended amounts of time with the Lyons' and Smith clans. We've traveled and explored, enjoying lots of tasty food and beverages. There's been some CrossFit for Reed, some ventures in writing for me, and lots of conversation.
We're now in a really neat and unique phase of life. As Resident Directors, we get to daily, hourly, interact with students and the Bethel community. We both feel at home. The biggest plus? We are on the same schedule and we get to work together. We recognize this is such a gift, and we are thankful. I'm especially grateful for this time in life because of all God's done to show us his faithfulness. This job, this role next to Reed - it is such a reminder of God's grace.
As tomorrow approaches, I'm not the giddy, anxious, almost-Mrs. I was two years ago. Still, I am so in love with that same goofy, handsome, strong, patient man. And I'm looking forward to more years of growing with him.
Two years, dude! Boo-ya. Good job being married to me, Reed. You're my favorite.
