And for twenty-five years I've had the privilege of ending every day like this, in the sanctuary of this bed, next to this man who loves me like no other.
I am a blessed woman.
He's been there for everything--good, bad, exhilarating, crushing--yet right now, in the quiet of night, listening to him sleep, this ordinary moment seems just as sacred, as definitive of us as any other. This daily ritual defines us as man and wife. Twenty-five years are built one day at a time, moment by intimate moment, some tough, some thrilling, some completely mundane, ALL contributing to a lifetime together.
Simple actions, like the way he slides his hand down my hip when walking past, stack a brick onto the wall of us. Hugs in the kitchen, me nuzzling his neck to catch a glorious whiff of him or the way he smiles when I walk into church, add another. We're made stronger with nights stretching into the wee hours of the morning, laying in bed, our limbs tangled together, talking about life and God and dreams. I rest secure in the comfort of his strong hand enveloping mine and his satisfying belly laughs at my silly comments. We are solidified by kisses coming mid sentence and knowing glances and whispers in my ear without regard for who is watching.
It has taken time to get here, time and experience and patience and prayer. Our early years were good, but now is better. Much better. Now is experienced and seasoned and learned. Now is passionate and comfortable and secure. Now is home.
"What God has joined together, let no man separate." I recognize His touch in our marriage, the joining of two imperfect, selfish people in a way that can only be explained by God's intervention. I see it. I welcome it. I am in awe.
God has loved me very well through my husband. And as I lay here, watching him sleep, tears slide into my pillow out of overwhelming gratitude for a man who models unconditional love and faithfulness.
And for a God who gives very good gifts.
Happy 25th Anniversary, my dear sweet Kevin. You make me happy. You make me better. You show me God. I love you so very much. Thank you for 25 fantastic years.
Related Links:
The Crazy Way We Met
On The Way to Us
Our Wedding
Our Honeymoon: Enough Memories to Last a Lifetime
Happy Anniversary
Still
Two As One
Twenty-Four Years
6 comments:
Happy Anniversary my friend!
Tami, this was a beautiful tribute to your husband, and to your marriage.
In a world where it seems many people look at the Holy Bonds of Matrimony as temporary, stories like yours are truly an inspiration to others.
Happy Anniversary!
Have a Blessed Day!
Thank you Phil and MiPa. We had a wonderful day together.
Tami,
congratulations to both of you!
So glad it was a happy day.
Blessings to you - Marsha
What a beautiful, beautiful post! I've been married for 21 years myself and I echo your sentiments. Its the hardships that bind us together more tightly.. by the Grace of God of course. What could break actually makes better.
Congratulations and may God bless you with many, many more!
Thank you Marsha and Lisa Maria. I am still floating. God is so good.
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