But this weekend and last, it was no contest at all. We have been gifted with hand-crafted moments from Jesus.
Last weekend we had the opportunity to join in on an amazing marriage retreat. Manteo First Assembly really hooked us up: a beachfront beautiful home (beautiful is a vast understatement - in the summer, the house rents for $25,000 a week), two days of learning and growth and a few moments to hang out with my pastors from Florida, Frank and Sheri Hawley. Perfection!
With all the chaos that our wedding/move entailed, we had gotten a little wrapped up in "life" stuff and really needed a break from our routine. My favorite routine-breaking moment happened Saturday morning. Walking along the beach there were no phones ringing. No requests via email. Nothing but the two of us. The crash of the waves and our tender conversation drowned out any potential distractions. And briefly, my husband paused. I thought he was ready to turn back, but instead he reached out for my hand, inviting me to dance. And, just for a few moments, the ocean was our soundtrack as we swayed. Not a care in the world except the smile on each other's face.
We drove home, our romance rekindled, and our hearts refreshed.
It was a just a few short days at work and then, Wednesday night, we were off to spend four days here. We are at Webb's parents river house, in Edenton. This place is so dear to my heart...
This morning, I woke up and "cooked" us breakfast. I make a mean McDonald's sausage, egg & cheese biscuit. And we spent the rest of the day reading, sitting by the water, talking and watching the sunset. Tomorrow, we'll take a day trip to somewhere I've dearly, dearly missed. Macy's has been calling my name and we have a gift card!
But, I want to tell you the reason this place is so special. This is the first place I came with Webb in North Carolina. Tonight, as we sat on the dock, hearing the water lap onto the shore, and staring up at the stars, we realized that it was nearly exactly a year ago, March 5, that we sat on that dock together. Two nights before we made our relationship "official". We sat on the dock flirting and talking - awkwardly at times :) - and for the first time, Webb put his arm around me. The whole world grew a little quieter, or at least it seemed because all I could hear was my heart. Tonight, I sat in his arms again, looking at the same stars and marveling at what Jesus can do in just 12 short months. Everything I had waited for through 26 years.
We had our first kiss in this house. Our first Christmas morning together with his family. And, now, our first "anniversary"ish getaway. Webb's Mom, Laura, dreamed of a house that their family could bless other people with. I wonder if she ever dreamed her son and his wife would be honored recipients of that blessing?
It has been a rich, beautiful day.
A rich and beautiful twelve months which have changed my life completely. And the Lord has shown Himself perfect, strong and personal through every step. He truly sees us, and the desires of our hearts.
