Sweeter Gets the Journey

“Better than I was, More than I am. And all of this happened, by taking your hand.”

 One year ago today we promised each other forever. The to-have-and-to-hold-until-death-do-us-part kind of forever. 

Our wedding day was all that I dreamed it would be. It was casual, relaxed, and beautiful in a way that only simplicity could create. Our wedding and reception coordinators made a wrong turn and almost missed the wedding, rain started to fall a few minutes before the outdoor ceremony was to begin, and an evening chill settled in early on the reception, reminded us that Autumn was indeed here, but I didn’t care. I was marrying the man of dreams; nothing could steal that blissful exuberance from me.

In the year that followed our wedding, life hasn’t been completely easy. If I were honest, I would have to say that it has been one of the hardest times of my life. I am continually learning how to trust, how to be open and transparent with my husband, and how to grow stronger in my job description as a “Help Meet”. But the truth of the matter is this: God created him for me, and me for him. There is no one I’d rather spend my life with. He is my lover, my closest friend, and the only person who truly knows me better than I know myself. When I think of forever spent with this man, forever doesn’t seem long enough.

So today I gladly will proclaim “I Do!” over again, for I have found the one my soul loves.

3,848 Dark Chocolate Raspberry Lattes

“I was wondering,” he asked me nervously, “would you be willing to go out with me for coffee on a regular basis for the next 75 years?”

It was with that question that we started our happy ever after.

Sipping lattes on a cold, wintry night in Watkins Glen, New York.

Many coffee dates happened since then.

He always orders a dark chocolate raspberry latte, and I,  without fail, try something new.

74 more years of weekly coffee dates.  That’s how many are left.  He still has 3,848 dark chocolate raspberry lattes to order, and for me there is a whole world of possibilities out there.

I for one, can’t wait to get this journey started!

In the mean time, what new latte flavor should I try?

Pressing On

Although the good-byes don’t get easier,
and the load never lighter,
the journey must continue.
When days seem long and tiring,
and nights restless,
the journey must continue.
When I see no light at the end of the present tunnel,
and the future seems frightening,
the journey must continue.
When my heart is left from place to place,
and tears mark a well-traveled path,
the journey must continue.
When my body is weak from travel,
and I feel like my next step will be my last,
the journey must continue.
When the good memories come to mind,
pulling my from present goals and pushing me to dwell in the past,
the journey must continue.
For God has not sent me on this journey to retreat in times of trouble or stay planted in the place of comfort,
but to press on with a heart set to serve,
love to share,
and strength to continue for His glory!
The journey must continue.
 [The Strength of Mercy, Jan Beazely]