9 Years

9 years ago today I took this man’s hand and we did just what you see here: we jumped wildly into the future together. We didn’t know that it would include two cross-country moves, a church plant, numerous jobs, rental homes, mortgages, car payments, and insurance. We couldn’t dream of two more amazing boys, and we didn’t expect to lose our first baby. Big dreams, big jumps, big decisions – we’ve done them all, and have more ahead.

And all the while we’ve stuck together, leaned on one another, and most of all – even in the hardest of times – we’ve loved one another. It hasn’t been perfect; I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a marriage that is. We’ve been perfectly imperfect and have allowed the grace of God to fill in the numerous cracks and faults in ourselves and in our relationship. Where we’ve been imperfect, He’s been more than perfect, and that’s been the key to staying together and in love this whole time.

Nate, you’re such an incredible man. I watch you as you get ready for work in the mornings, ready to take on the day to take care of your family. Your hard work and integrity are such an example to me and our boys. I watch you come home, exhausted and spent, and then I see you dig deep to give your all to your family. What a statement of your love for us! I see you serve others relentlessly and I see you serve me without even trying, and I just can’t help but know that God’s love is alive and well in your heart. You make me laugh, you hold me when I cry, you work through things with me when I’m confused or angry or hurt. It’s been 9 years, and I still can’t believe you’re mine. I love you sweet man.