I've been proposed to 3 times in the past 2 years. The first proposal was on "National Scavenger Hunt Day" October 19, 2013, the second one was after a pretty ugly fight October 19, 2014, and the third one was this morning via a homemade card sitting on the table (shows how well he is getting to know me, didn't wake the sleeping Bear at 5am-awesome choice!) and beautiful flowers sent to work, October 19, 2015.
The question was simple, "Will you...again?" My answer was yes. I wanted to say, "Of course my answer was yes," but it turns out, saying yes the first time was by far the easiest time, and yet saying yes this morning meant so much more. Our engagement was about so much more than a ring. The ring is beautiful and something I will cherish forever, but our engagement is a story of redemption, grace, and unconditional love. A friend shared an article with me called "What We Didn't Say Yes To." Kendra Broekhuis writes: Maybe you’re in the part of your marriage story, encountering lots of stuff you didn’t realize you both were saying “Yes” to when he asked, “Will you?” I pray that each and every day, from the time you say “Good morning,” to the time you finally lay your tired head on the pillow at night. From the time you are enjoying snuggling up to each other in the chilly autumn breeze, to the time you remind him not to slurp his cereal so loudly. From the time you come face to face with life’s heartaches and sorrow, to the time you realize your marriage is stronger for it. I pray that all those times, you will choose to say, “Yes.” With Christ’s unconditional love as your example. And with Christ’s power as your strength. Just say "Yes." I am humbled each year Austin asks, "Will you?" because I've noticed marriage doesn't always bring out the best in me and sometimes it's really hard for me to walk with and live with someone else during trials and pain. Austin is a gift I truly don't deserve. These past two months I have struggled to let my "miss independentness" go. Honestly, I have needed Austin way more than I am comfortable needing someone lately. I am pushed to remember he is simply a small reflection the unconditional love Christ has for me. We didn't realize some of the painful experiences we were saying yes to, but we also didn't know some of the joy-filled experiences we were saying yes to either. Watching my belly move as little miracle gives some big kicks this week is just one of those things we didn't know we were saying yes to. God is so cool. The Lord has been faithful to us and to the people we love. I am excited to see what exactly it is that I said "yes" to this morning as the year unfolds.
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Hi! I'm Haley. Archives
May 2019
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