Teamwork

 

Today marks 125 months of marriage for us, and I find myself extra grateful today for the gift of sharing life together. Some of you may have seen the news report this weekend of a bride and groom in South Carolina who were riding away from their reception on a golf cart when they were hit by an alleged drunk driver. The bride did not survive, and the groom (and two others on the cart) were badly injured.

            I looked at the stunning pictures of their beach wedding and thought about our own beach wedding 125 months ago. I can’t imagine the story ending that same day. My heart aches for this family I’ve never met, and it pushes me to be grateful for the gift we’ve had of getting to live out all these many chapters together.

            This weekend, we teamed up to work with our godson while he stayed with us. Toddlers and puppies require intentional teamwork!

            By Sunday night, I was fairly certain I’d failed in all aspects. While trying to help Lexi navigate a tight space WHILE holding a toddler, I managed to knock over a lamp, which knocked over a half-full coffee cup. Ryan raced to clean carpet, and I raced to rescue my Bible before it got soaked. We went through towels and blankets – and the worst part of it all was I broke the coffee mug. (Sure, we have more, but that one was sentimental.)

            But we worked together and got it all cleaned up. We worked together to get meals on the table on time. We worked together to teach new words and ideas to a little boy eager to learn.

            Life isn’t always pretty or neatly organized, but I sure am grateful for a teammate who pitches in to help. And he’s one of the best encouragers I’ve ever met, so I’m thankful for that, too!

            Today is an ordinary day. We’ll find a way to celebrate, of course, and I’m guessing it will involve coffee. Ordinary days are still good ones – great ones, in fact.

            Ryan, I love you, and I’m so thankful for our 125 months. May we never take a single day for granted!