Happy Anniversary!

Today is my husband and my eighth wedding anniversary. We've been together for close to 13 years, but in our 8 years of marriage alone, we've been through quite a lot together. We've bought our first house, experienced the deaths of family and friends, gotten new jobs, remodeled most of our fixer-upper house and pool, experienced infertility, traveled to some beautiful and interesting places, started a business, had our daughter, lost a lot of sleep, and cooked a lot of excellent meals. Anniversaries are great because they remind you to look back on where you've been, remember what you've come through, and--perhaps most importantly--examine where you're headed.

June is a great month for me personally. My birthday is also in June, as well as a very important anniversary: that of my baptism. I was baptized 20 years ago this past Sunday. In these 20 years, I've been through quite a lot in my spiritual life. I've built upon my knowledge of the Bible, the foundation of which my parents built in me. I've made some bad choices, I've made some good choices, and I've chosen not to make choices at all. I've attended 11 churches, read a variety of authors discussing God and spirituality, I've conversed with a variety of people about what it means to be a Christian. I've pushed God to the back burner, I've made Him my first priority, I've had sporadic devotional times. Really, I guess the analogy of being married to God is a good one. Sometimes you're so focused on your spouse, you feel so in love, he is the first thing you think about when you wake up. And then there are those other times. Times that you forget about making your spouse a priority, when he's more of a roommate. In the case of God, He can become even less of a roommate because He can be so unintrusive. As the saying goes, God is a gentleman--He won't barge in. (At least, most of the time.) Why do we forget so easily? Why do we forget the people (including our Father!) who have supported us through the hard times? God, save me from memory loss! I suppose you could say time spent reading the Bible and in prayer is like omega 3's--it helps preserve your memory!

This morning I read Psalm 119:105-107: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word."

Couples sometimes hold a ceremony at which they renew their marriage vows. My husband and I have discussed doing this in the future. Again, it reminds you to think of your past, your present, and your future. But we also need to do this in our spiritual marriage. One of the things I love about marriage to God is that every day is a new one. Really, every moment is a fresh start.

Thank You, God, for these past 20 years. You've held me close through some difficult, lonely times--even when I didn't realize it at the time. Thank You for Your neverending love. Thank You also for my husband and our marriage. Strengthen us, teach us, inspire us to be the best we can be for You and for each other.

Happy Father's Day

Today is Father's Day. I'm sure I've heard this angle before. Surely in the 30-something years I've heard sermons, I've heard this point made. But that's the funny thing, isn't it? You rediscover important truths all the time, if you tune in.

I've wished my father and my husband (it's his 2nd Father's Day as the "da-DEEEE!!!" to our adorable 19-month-0ld) a happy Father's Day today. And they're both great dads. But--and don't be offended, guys--but you're not God. So on this Father's Day (and future ones, I pray), I'm remembering that God is our ultimate Father. He's the one all fathers should model themselves after (and we mothers too!). He loves us more than anyone else can or will.

So, God, thanks for being my dad. You've always been there for me and always will be. Thanks for giving me wings but also roots. I didn't get you a card, but I know You know I love you.