Great Minds...

Leave it to my husband to write a blog to tell me he loves me! Actually, to be completely honest, I came across it when I sat down to write my own blog for him. (Is that where the love note is headed these days? Is there yet such a thing as a "love blog?" I'm sure Jim will tell me if there is.) I had been planning all day to write "Eight Things I Love About Jim" or "Eight of My Favorite Memories From the Last Eight Years," but taking these precious years and boiling them down to a few points is just too daunting. I mean, our lives have evolved and changed so much since we graduated from college and started out together, and some of the things that have drawn us closest together and helped us to love each another best aren't all happy and sunny (though many are... We have a darling son, after all!). When we were first married I knew that I loved Jim, but I had no idea how that love would grow in depth and richness, maybe because I couldn't have imagined all of the ways that God would grow and change us as individuals. What a glorious surprise: Marriage is hard, but with work, it actually improves with age, like good wine or cheese!

Yesterday, as I was driving in the car and thinking about our anniversary, a song by Shane & Shane was playing on my CD player, and I was struck that the words very much describe the way I feel about Jim. The song was written about Jesus, and I know Jim and I would agree that He is the only one that can completely fulfill us. But I hope it isn't sacrilege to admit that the words do describe my feelings toward Jim a lot of times. Even though no one can provide the peace and refuge that Jesus gives, God has blessed me with a friend and companion that I enjoy, trust, and love. On this earth, he is my favorite part of me.

"Holiday" by Shane & Shane

You are my holiday
You are right in the middle of me
You are my hideaway
You are home

I’m calling out your name
Oh my holiday
You make my heart new
And I love you!
What it is I’m trying to say
Is you are my favorite part of me