The last three weeks have been a whirlwind. A whirlwind, I tell you. Like a dream.
August 16: After a delicious pizza dinner at a restaurant we've been hankering to try, after making me hike a mountain in a dress, Allen proposed. I said yes. Jade was there to capture it on film, adding to the joyous moment and fun.
August 18: We picked a date - January 10 - and the planning began. Colors, "vibe," flowers, decorations, Save the Dates, bridesmaids and groomsmen...
August 25: Realize we won't have anywhere to live after getting married (except Mom and Dad's basement).
August 28: Tour an apartment. Bottom floor. No thanks.
August 29: Tour another apartment. Top floor. Two bedrooms. Within our price range. Perfect, we'll take it.
September 3: Pay deposit and sign lease for our first apartment.
And in between: Addressing and mailing Save the Dates. Pinning. Celebrating. Laughing. Anticipating. Planning.
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This man - my best friend - will be my husband in 4 months and 1 week. My late night talks, early morning coffee, fill the car with gas, adventuring, loving, passionate and compassionate husband.
But I am also reminded of Isaiah 54:5 "For your Maker is your Husband, the Lord of hosts is His name. The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer. The God of the whole earth, He is called."
Allen will be my husband. But only my "Til Death Do Us Part" husband. The Lord is my forever husband. Allen will not be able to meet all of my needs, fulfill all of my desires, whisper answers to the longings of my heart. But the Lord will. He will indeed.
I am so excited to see how the Lord uses us together. In our church. In our apartment building. In our jobs. In the world. In Africa. In a hut. Hugging those small children who have stolen both of our hearts and are holding them ransom. I am so excited to see how we - together - will point others back to Him.
We start our pre-marital counseling with Pastor Tom in October. While I'm nervous - why? - I'm excited to continue to learn more about Allen and more about myself. The books we've been reading together have been wonderful in growing our relationship; I know this will be too.
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In Titus 2, older women are commanded to teach the younger women how to love their husbands. I praise God for my mama, who teaches me how to love my husband through the way she loves my daddy.
I am excited and humbled for the opportunity to teach my girls how to do the same.
