Love

Life is hard.

Love is hard.

In nearly 8 years of marriage we have weathered so much.

Disagreements.

Disappointments.

Disillusionment.

Job upheavals and uncertainties.

Financial difficulties.

Family problems.

Church issues.

4 minor car accidents

 (7 if you count the times people hit our parked cars)

65 hours of labor.

14 months of all-day nausea.

6 moves.

Several deaths in the family.

Screaming toddlers.

Fighting kids.

Tragedies among our friends and loved ones.

Friends moving away.

Splintered friendships.

3.5 years of lost sleep (with more months of this to come)

Illnesses.

Injury.

Surgeries.

Angry words.

Exhaustion and Stress.

And yet....

We've seen so many good times too.

First looks at four little faces.

First giggles and steps.

Parenting together.

Praying together.

Laughter, fun, and sunshine.

Fireworks.

Delight.

Passion.

Supporting hugs.

Meals with great friends.

Mommy's little helpers.

Daddy's girls.

Little boy kisses.

Vacations and camping.

A child's prayer for salvation.

Massaging out the fatigue.

Singing, dancing, little children.

Making up.

Hope.

Coming together.

Dreams coming true.

God's provision.

Forgiveness.

Good health.

The love of family.

More than enough.

Reconciliation.

Church growth.

Loved ones finding new life in Christ.

God's strength when we have none of our own left.

New neighbors.

New friends and old friends.

First home.

Healing.

Being best friends.

A comfortable love.

This Valentine's Day I'm remembering.   I'm weighing out our days together and I am thankful.

There is no one else I'd rather be doing this life with.