Gratitude

Before getting married, I had heard so many different adages and beliefs about weddings (and marriage, to be honest), so I had a lot of ideas, thoughts, and imaginations of what it could or would be like. Some would say, "it goes by so fast, so make sure you take it all in", some would stick to the cosmetics and say things like "make sure you wear waterproof mascara", and yet others would say encouraging and freeing things like "it's your day, so make sure it represents you as a couple" or "make sure to truly enjoy yourself and know it's just one day so don't give into the pressure". All in all, I took each word of advice for what it was, advice, and let the day speak for itself.

Honestly, after talking about my wedding so much over the last six weeks--I have had plenty of time to reflect and consider what it was like for me. I could not have asked for a better, sweeter, more love-filled, more fun, and more beautiful weekend! It was amazing on so many levels from the music to the vibes to the hospitality to the flow of things. Everything happened just the way it needed to, and for that I am so thankful and filled with joy. One of the songs we picked for our ceremony that sticks with me and that we constantly listen to is Gratitude by Brandon Lake, a beautiful, simple, and powerful song that is about praise to the Lord. The song perfectly captures my sentiments around our relationship, the wedding weekend and every moment since--simply gratitude to the one and only King Jesus.

An excerpt from the song is as follows:

"All my words fall short

I got nothing new

How could I express

All my gratitude?

I could sing these songs

As I often do

But every song must end

And You never do

So I throw up my hands

And praise You again and again

'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah

Hallelujah

And I know it's not much

But I've nothing else fit for a King

Except for a heart singing hallelujah

Hallelujah"

It's been a whirlwind since I walked down the aisle--we have been so constantly busy since then from movie nights, to gym workouts, to camping, appointments, shopping, paperwork, day trips, and everything in between. I wouldn't trade it for a minute though, and am so incredibly filled with contentment and appreciation for where I find myself and what my life looks like.

We are settling into life as a married couple, which is quite different when you have never lived with anyone else other than your family and college roommates years ago, let alone never living with your spouse before. It's a humbling learning experience that challenges me everyday to be and do better as is our marriage as a whole. More to come on that when I actually know what I am talking about based on experience, haha.

What I actually appreciate most in this sweet season is so simple, and yet so profound: the everyday and what seems so mundane can be an adventure if you so choose. You can make chores, cooking, walks, and talks about the day boring, exciting, an opportunity to serve, a moment of enlightenment, a discovery, a joy, or really anything you want it to be. To me that seems so powerful and yet challenging at the same time. It means you shouldn't allow how you feel to get the best of you because you'll be inconsistent, in your head, self-focused, emotionally unavailable, or apathetic most likely much of the time, because let's be real: life be lifing sometimes. Instead, if you make it your responsibility and your honor to show up fully and be present each time you have these day to day chances to connect with your spouse and explore something new or learn something different, you'll be more grateful for the opportunity and see it in a different light. That is what I am striving for everyday.

I just celebrated my birthday (see photo for evidence) and the thing I appreciated the most about that time this year was that for the first time in years, I wasn't laser focused on being at work to bring students back to or into school for the first time. Anyone who's ever worked in higher education should know exactly what I mean by this. It was a simple change that made all the difference, and through that I am seeing that truly, everything is what you make of it and how you choose to respond to it. This year and beyond, I hope to make beauty out of basic things and respond gracefully even in the most tense moments. That would be growth for me. I'm incredibly blessed to be on this journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQdfs5S6jyA