#19yearsandcounting

The view of Lookout Mountain from the valley where I live provides great beauty. In spring, the blanket of treetops is thick with new growth in varying shades of green. In the fall, as all the leaves begin to die, the blanket is vibrant with orange, yellow, and red. If you stay in the valley, if you don't venture up the road into the curvy, hilly and sometimes treacherous mountain road you miss the greatest beauty. In spring you miss hundreds of dogwoods whose beauty is unspeakable and in fall you miss the brightest of the orange, yellow and red the mountain has to offer. These scenes are picturesque and rival the best photos you'd find in any travel magazine. 

In 19 years of marriage, Andy and I have had times where we cruised through life maneuvering relatively flat ground.  We've also had moments where we had to travel up the mountain path. In these moments God's goodness was so vibrant I could hardly stand to look at it.  As overwhelming as life can be and as terrifying as it is to wonder what's waiting around the next bend, it's in these moments God's faithfulness is most prevalent and consuming.  His grace flows freely providing the confidence necessary to make it up the next hill.  The scope of these realizations is so acute I find myself thankful for the effort the path demands and appreciate the aching muscles produced by the climb. 

Andy and I realize that marriage is a fight, and we will continue on that battlefield until either one of us ceases to draw breath or Jesus returns. As difficult as it can be, the benefit of this union far outweighs the struggle.  To be truly known by another is the essence of peace.  I'm beyond willing for Andy to understand what makes me tick, what brings me joy, and how my deepest heartache can spontaneously creep back to the surface of my being. We are two cracked cisterns who choose every day to love each other regardless of our eccentricities and complications. 

Ben Rector sings true, "...life is not the mountain tops. It's the walking in between and I like you walking next to me." Regardless of whether we are in the serenity of the valley or climbing the treacherous mountain, it is no small comfort knowing we'll be together.  Even more importantly, knowing that we are always enveloped by the vibrant beauty of our gracious Savior.

"It is mercy to have a faithful friend who loveth you entirely."   Richard Baxter

Let me find Thy light in my darkness,

Thy life in my death,
Thy joy in my sorrow,
Thy grace in my sin,
Thy riches in my poverty
Thy glory in my valley.

(The Valley of Vision)