Seven Years

Happy seventh anniversary, Ryan!

I confess I was nervous about this year. I've heard so many people talk about the seven year itch and how that tends to be the year marriages fall apart. We were determined not to fall into that statistic, and I'm so thankful that we were able to hang onto who we are as a couple in this seventh year. But oh my...life was challenging this year. Until this year, I would have told you that year two was hands-down our hardest year. We had so many life-obstacles that year. But I'd say year seven rivaled it, if it didn't exceed it entirely.

Because of that, we celebrate the Lord's work in our lives and in our marriage even more today. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world, so our marriage isn't perfect either, but we are mighty grateful for the desire, strength, and tenacity God gave us.

Today I want to celebrate Ryan by sharing with you some of my favorite moments of life with him in this past year.

* He never fails to make me laugh. This picture is from last December when our lives were complete chaos, and yet in the middle of all the busyness, he went with me to my parents' house to run a photo booth for a Christmas party, and when I asked for him to pose for me to figure out the lighting...

* He takes such good care of our home! He takes seriously his role of being a steward of what God has entrusted to us, and I appreciate how meticulously he cares for every part of our home. From clearing out the snow to making sure the yard looks nice, to blowing the never ending leaves off the porch, he is an attentive caretaker, and I appreciate that!

* He studies the Word. This picture was taken last February, during one of our shifts of caring for his mom during her illness. He had gotten up early that morning, worked all day, and cared for her all night, and yet whenever she had a stretch of resting, he'd pull up to the table (in the wheelchair, no less) and study his Bible. (One time I found him face down in the binding, totally asleep.) I love his desire to grow closer to the Lord, even when he's worn out!

* And speaking of his mom, it was a joy to my heart to watch him care for her. It was such a long (and yet very short) season of hard work to keep her comfortable as her body fought illness, but he never complained and in fact, he told me this is what he wanted to do. He wanted to be there, and God granted him that desire. He had the strength to care for her throughout her illness, and he was there holding her hand when she passed away.

* Even while he cared for her, he didn't neglect me. He showed up to every speaking engagement and took me on dates, big and small, to make sure I knew I was loved even though life was all kinds of chaotic.

* He shared his 40th birthday with me by taking me to new and exciting places...like Aruba, Curacao, and the Dominican Republic.

* And on his birthday, he sacrificed his fun trip across the ship's rope course so he could help a little kid who got too scared to finish crossing on his own...because that's the kind of huge, tender heart he has.

* When I helped with my first major women's event at church this year, he showed up in dress clothes on a Friday night to help the other men of the church serve food. (And he was a lot happier about it than this picture shows - ha!) Then he helped run the sound system, took pictures of me while I spoke, and prayed over me the entire time.

* He worked harder than anyone will ever know (for weeks) helping his dad work on his house so he could put it up for sale. I worked alongside him, but I mostly painted. Ryan did a little bit of everything and truly deserves a prize for his hard, hard work!

* He did an amazing job serving in our church...from narrating with me in the music programs, to carrying one of the main parts in a skit, to serving communion with me, to helping in the ministry at the county fair, he prayed over his work and gave it everything he had - and did a GREAT job!

* He made every county tour SO MUCH FUN! (Even when I couldn't keep up with him on a 20 mile bike ride!)

* He made every date fun, too - whether we were out on our own or with friends, he made every moment an adventure worth remembering!

* He celebrates all the "versaries" with me without questioning my desire to do so. From anniversaries to monthiversaries to engagementversaries, he is always excited to celebrate another milestone!

* And most of all, he just always makes me feel loved. Even though I adore all our adventures, and I hope we never quit making those a priority, my favorite place is home on the couch beside him.

And this is how we did more than just "make it through" year seven. This is how we did our very best to thrive in the middle of a hard year. Thank you, Ryan, for putting so much effort into every part of life. Thank you for giving without reserve. Thank you for loving with your whole heart. Thank you for making it such a joy to be married! I love you!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!