Faith, Marriage and Life - Just All the Stuff

So Bekah and I have this agreement.  I do the heavy lifting and she does the writing.  And it works like a well-oiled machine because it is geared toward our strengths (that is literal and physical).  But today is different.  Today she is giving birth to a gallbladder and for everyone’s sake, we plan for this to be the only way she ever gives birth.   We love children, but don't feel led to have any of our own.  

Every day you read about Shafferland through Bekah’s eyes.   So bear with me if you will and fasten your seat belt for a blog post through Ryan’s eyes.  Let’s do this!! 

Life.  Life is wonderful.  Life is crazy.  Life is difficult.  Life is a journey.  When I think about our life over the past 2.5 years I’m completely amazed.  I’m sure most of you know our story; if you don’t, you can read about it over several Bekah-posts here.  It is one that neither of us expected and continues to amaze us and surprise us.  You know how it is when you have a plan and it never works out quite like you expect?  That is definitely us times 1000.  And you know what?  That is okay.  It’s okay because it keeps life interesting.  It shows how much God is a part of our daily lives and how much He loves us.  And if were really honest, it shows how truly important we are to Him.

Through the journey we have done so much.  And as you know something that we have done A LOT is wait.  So much so that I’m beginning to think it’s a spiritual gift, but that can’t be.  Right?  We’ve been talking at church about spiritual gifts and that has never come up.   Just like many of you, we have waited and waited and waited.  And there are still many things that we are waiting on.  Some of our waits have only been shared between the two of us because it’s not time to talk about them publicly yet.  God is always working, especially while we are waiting.  Waiting is a process that has allowed us to have victory in ways we didn't expect.  It has prepared us for future goals and has pushed us to stand firm in our faith.  Through the difficulties in life, the many hours of commuting, the waiting for life answers, and definitely the blessings, I have seen a changed Bekah.  I know you read her thoughts everyday here, but I LIVE with her.  And let me tell you it is no easy task.  I’m seriously kidding about that.  But I do see her at her best and worst.  I experience life with her in a way that no one else can.  She shares things with me that she doesn’t share with anyone else.  AND I LOVE IT!!  I love the true relationship we have together.  I love that our marriage is a priority to her.  I love all the ways she shows love to me and of course all the FUN we have.  I have experienced life with her in a way I never have before.  It’s like my eyes have been opened.  

 When we were dating, what attracted me to her most was her commitment to Christ.  I knew that if I was ever to marry, it would have to be with a woman I was equally yoked with and someone I could trust completely.  I have seen too many marriages fail or strained when these things were not primary.  I don't know if she has ever told you about the journal we keep together.  We started it when we were dating and would pass it back and forth between seeing each other.  It was a way to write love notes to each other, tell one another our hopes, dreams, and fears, and we wrote prayers to each other as well.  It was a great way to get to know each other better and it was all in one place, a little black spiral bound journal.  We have kept it up since being married, but only exchange it about once a month now.  I was reading through it the other day and it is filled with so many thoughts go through page after page of her writings, especially after you get into our marriage you see her faith and trust in God growing.  Even through the waiting and the tears. She is amazing!

Sorry got a little sidetracked there.  When I start talking about the love we share and our marriage I just run wild.  Back to the changed Bekah.  I’ve been noticing this for a while and then Lynne even mentioned it to her the other day.  Her faith has been growing like crazy.  I’m serious.  It’s one of things you don’t notice until you start looking back at things. 

With all of the fun trips and adventures we have had in our marriage, I think equal to that has been the difficulties.  Not difficulties from marriage, but from what life can bring sometimes.  And that’s where your faith is needed most.  Faith to get through the trying times.  Faith to face the challenges in front of you.  Faith to face tomorrow.  Bekah lives out this faith every day.  She lives out each day with a beautiful smile, a laugh that is infectious, and a spirit of joy.  She is the person that lights up the room when she comes in and the one who helps you feel better if you're having a bad day.   When we pray together she is so genuine and honest with God, just like they're best friends.  I love it.  And I love the relationship between the three of us.  It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.  She is always in prayer for someone because everyone knows that she will pray for them.  She’s always so encouraging, always loving, and always so full of insight.  Since getting married, I have seen her become stronger and grow because she trusts God.  She trusts Him with our lives.  I know it’s not always easy for her and she absolutely struggles at times, but she plows ahead.  Sometimes with many tears, but still plows full steam ahead.  

And now we're to today.  Her many years of stomach issues have been diagnosed with a stone filled gall bladder and hopefully it will be removed flawlessly.  Sure hope we can keep it!! If not, at least the stones :)  Many of you have been in prayer for her for quite some time which I appreciate so much.  I ask for you to continue in those prayers today for my sweet Bekah.  She is the light of my life and my rock.  I’m so thankful that she waited so long for me.  It was just another part of God’s plan for both of our lives.  And possibly the reason she is able to wait so well.  

Thank you all for coming here and enjoying life with us!  We love God.  We love marriage.  And we love all of you.  

      Stay strong Awesome Sauce.  I love you and will be here when you wake.

                                -Ryan