the four letter word, and where it found me.

Since I'm still a newly married woman, thoughts on love still seem to be oozing out of my brain. So, bear with me if you want. But don't say I didn't warn you. :)

Love is not always what we think or expect. And it very rarely happens the way we imagine it. In college I was focused on graduating and enjoying my season of being single. In fact, I might even admit, I got comfortable there. I enjoyed throwing wedding/baby showers and being a bridesmaid. Independence was my pride and joy. And when love showed up for me, it broke social norms and expectations I had for a "conventional" relationship. And even though it scared me senseless, I couldn't shake this peace I had deep in my heart. And as hard as I tried to push away, Kenny saw the best in me. (I always needed someone who was willing to fight for me.) And after prayerful consideration and counsel, I surrendered to love.

I can honestly say, that I'm SO grateful that my journey to romance didn't happen the way I had "planned".

I believe that God protected me and led me, even through stupid past mistakes. I've screwed up so many previous relationships, that it almost seems unfair to have something this pure, this precious. And that's how I know that the sole reason that I have found love is because God is RICH in kindness.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." -James 1:17

There have been so many times that I've found myself journaling and thinking about how I don't deserve a man like Kenny. And then one day, I had a thought: Maybe that's the beauty of a Christ-like love. None of us will ever be able to earn it or truly deserve it. At some point, we will fall short. Love was always meant to be a gift. And when we receive it with a heart full of gratitude, it allows our love to continue to grow.

It is Christ in Kenny that loves me best. Just as it is Christ in me that attempts to love him better too.

I know there will be times we argue, and when waking up next to each other isn't always this romantic. BUT, for now... I'm soaking it in.

I'll let my heart overflow with gratitude and praise to God for this wonderful gift. Maybe then, on days that are more mundane, I'll be reminded of these sweet moments.

I don't want to sit by and wait for the freshness of this new season to fade. Instead, I'll breathe it in DEEPLY.