#907 - Lifelong Committment

I love to journal. At this particular point in life, I am not journaling. I wish I was. I guess in some ways this blog serves as a journal for me right now. But in years past, I have been known to fill up journals very quickly. In fact, while living in South Africa I completed 14 journals in 2 years. I was able to spend a lot of alone time with the Lord, and much of that time was spent writing my prayers. 

The other day I was looking around the house for something to read. I remembered my journals, and decided to begin reading back through them. I believe strongly that the Lord wants us to look back on where we've been and see clearly the ways He has grown us and increased our faith throughout the years. I was also curious to see what was most important to me back then since now my life is consumed with a husband, small feet and hands, dishes, laundry, children's books, baby dolls, hot wheels, ministry, etc. I wasn't too far into my reading when I came across this...

I wrote this in 1999 when I was a junior in college at Baylor. I don't remember when I began thinking about what I wanted in a future mate. I do remember praying for my future mate throughout high school and college...and after college...and after being a journeyman for 2 years. Honestly, there were many days when I wondered if my prayers were in vain. I knew God heard me, but I wasn't so sure that He was going to answer the desire of my heart and give me a mate. Looking back on it now, it's easy to see my lack of faith. But, isn't it always easier to look back and see what we've done wrong than to see it in the moment? 

Anyway, if you know my husband, you know that this list was fulfilled AND THEN SOME! I had to laugh when I read #9. And then since my mate was reading beside me, I had to show it to him so he could laugh. Daniel is definitely not afraid to tell me what he really thinks about anything and everything...and for that I'm grateful! (I don't always feel grateful at the moment, but I am!) 

My heart is overflowing with gratitude to the Lord today as Daniel and I celebrate our 6th Anniversary. I remember soon after we married looking at him at random times and thinking, "I can't believe I am his and he is mine!" And I still find myself doing that today. The Lord blesses His children so much more than we could ever imagine or come close to deserving. I will forever be thankful for this man and the lifelong commitment we made 6 years ago.