I’m not generally a fan of the customary end-of-the-year social media post or family Christmas card. But while enjoying our vacation it occurred to me. THIS GUY. I don’t deserve him. So I’m going to wrap up 2023 and welcome 2024 with a little bragging.
How we came to know each other isn’t exactly a fairy tale. We had a lot to learn. Thankfully, we both listened to God and He was faithful. After three years of dating he persuaded me to marry him.
We both came with some unpleasant history. Sorting thru that has been a process that continues to this day. It’s incredible the amount of hurt that lingers in a heart.
When we married, my boys were already adults, but his kids were still at home with us. Lots of laughter and a fair amount of tears. Most of the time we balanced each other nicely. Other times we wondered what in the world we had done.
This year has introduced another new phase for us. The kids are both in college in Georgia. This was officially our first empty nest vacation. Conversations have changed. What does the next step look like? Where do we go? What do we do?
Several of the quiet moments this past week were wonderful reminders from God. Twelve years ago I had given up on marriage. I had decided God didn’t intend it for me. But each day there was at least one little “gift”. A peace deep in my soul. A calm that had always seemed foreign to me.
This past year I’ve watched God open the floodgates and drown me in blessings. Every time, without fail, this husband of mine has been my biggest fan. Not just supporting me. But actually taking steps to move me closer to another goal. Helping me succeed. He has stepped up to be the spiritual leader of our household (with intermittent input from me, of course) and has sought the will of God for both of us.
I remain in awe of God’s faithfulness to restore me. I continue to stand amazed at His patience with me. The gift of this man in my life is without measure.
Psalm 37:4 ~ Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
