God does great things in our lives. Today I reflect on a great thing He did in my life four years ago today.

February 23, 2008

Last night Gray texted me at work. "Another full moon, want to go for a hike?" Of course I jumped at the idea. I figured, though, that it was "the boys" going out hiking in the woods, with me sort of tagging along. Gray picked me up at school when I was done working. Although I would've been fine with a group, I was quite content also with just the two of us heading out. The night was so crisp, and the sky vividly clear. We drove quite a distance, far enough to leave the city behind us as a hazy reality. After walking a short while in the snowy marsh, he asked if I wanted to stop for a while. Then he asked if I wanted a fire. "Really?" My eyes lit up. I'll give it to the guy, he knows how to impress a girl! After he gathered wood from the forest behind us, he built a great fire, and pulled out a sleeping bag from his backpack for us to sit on. We must have stayed there for a good while, lying next to each other and watching the stars. We sat in silence for a while, my head resting on his shoulder. "So I was thinking," he broke the silence, "maybe we should just start dating." "Okay." I smiled. After a few minutes he surprises me again. "I want to start this off in prayer." And he takes my hand in his. Then he prays one beautifully genuine prayer, committing our relationship to God. We then made our way to Starbucks, where we stayed until 2:30 in the morning talking and reading Scriptures. I admire this guy, and I am so grateful to be entering into this relationship with him.
      Father, thank You for bringing Grayson into my life. Thank You for the encouragement and blessing he is to me. Thank You for how comfortable I am to sit next to him, hold his hand, and actually talk with him.

Today, February 22, 2012 I can still hear the crunch of the snow under my feet as we embarked on that chilly walk. I can still feel the icy cold, fresh air run through my nose and into my lungs as we walked side by side under the moon. I have never regretted  breaking curfew that night. I am more thankful than ever before that he is still, even so much more, a blessing and encouragement to me every day.

Two weeks later, March 10, 2008

I have studied love. I have compared the words and observed its Author.  And yet--even more-so now, it frightens me. Some say that love does not make sense, yet this makes sense to me. I am still apprehensive, but I am moving forward and embracing love. I have always determined myself not to play around with the term or concept of being in love. But here I am determining myself to be in love. This is a choice I am making because I believe in it. It is, most definitely, not what I expected; and I am terrified. But I believe in my heart, my mind, and my faith, that this is good. It makes sense to be in love with Grayson. Not that I have a rigid list of standards or expect any kind of perfection, but he satisfies what I have always seen as good and worthwhile--what I have wanted. He is the encouragement that I have prayed for. We are in love. I am still learning, and always will be learning what that means. It is in God's hands, and oh that it would always be.

Today, February 22, 2012, I can still recall that moment I made a decision. I made a decision to love Grayson. Aside from my emotions, my attraction, those feelings which were so foreign, I made a decision to love. It may seem less romantic than falling hopelessly in love at first sight (It took me 2 weeks to decide, after all). However, it was more than romantic. A choice to look beyond attraction, to reach beyond emotion, and to choose him over me. To serve, to respect, to adore. This choice, in my heart, mind, and soul, was forever. At that moment, I placed him in my heart as mine. I would marry him.

 

 Good Friday, April 10, 2009

Good Friday, Great Friday. Today Gray took me hiking back where he first asked me out. He built me another fire. He asked me to grab his camera for him. There was a box. I dismissed it. He asked me for batteries. There was that box.... I open it, then close it in disbelief. He comes to my side. He asks me to marry him! I said Yes.

Today, February 22, 2012,  I remember walking along our path, smiling, remembering a night not so long ago when we walked that same path. I remember finding large rocks, and chucking them into the woods, nonchalant and unaware of Grayson's nerves, just below the surface, anticipating the question he would soon ask me. I remember sitting in the middle of the woods, gathering sticks, and almost starting a forest fire.... I remember seeing that little red box for the very first time as I unzipped his camera bag. I remember dismissing it, too nervous to even read "Kessler" across the top. It couldn't be. But it was, because God is good.

August 8, 2009

It is our wedding day. 

Father, be glorified.

Thank You.

Leave us speechless,

but give us such communication.

You are holy,

make us holy.

Father, thank You.

Be glorified.

Today, February 22, 2012, I remember advice from my father, in the form of him sharing his heart with me. He told me one day that, when he married my mother, he had absolutely no doubt in his heart. There was no ounce of apprehension. He knew it was a right decision which God would bless. He knew it was good. On my wedding day, there was no doubt. Today, there is no doubt, no regret, no apprehension. Grayson is good, he is good for me, God richly blesses us.

 July 23, 2010

"Grayson and Eryn Lynum

Appointed to missionary service."

Today, February 22, 2012, I see in my husband such a spirit of adventure, service, discipleship, humility, and a heart for those who do not yet know Christ. I see in him an urgency to bring Christ's message of hope, His great love, to the ends of the earth. His frustration with monotony and routine, which drives us on. His strive for the big picture, the ultimate goal, which inspires me to be faithful in the little things--the process. His heart which is sold out to the purposes of God.

January 25, 2011, almost 14 weeks.

I do wonder what characteristics you'll have from your father. I hope you pick up his sensitivity.  He can communicate in such a way to relate to my soul. Take after him, little one, he is kind and gracious. Tell him that you love him, it will make his whole world. Tell him you are proud of him, he is so proud of you--already.

Today, February 22, 2012, I remember the first time I thought of my husband as a father. The father of a little precious being growing inside of me. I remember watching him slowly step into that role throughout the nine months leading to our child's arrival. A foreign thing it is, and difficult when you cannot yet hold or see your own baby. However, I remember Grayson's excitement, his anticipation of what was to come.

July 20, 2011, two days old

I have the most beautiful baby boy in this world. Grayson is a wonderful father. He takes such joy and pride in his son.

Today, February 22, 2012, I see in my husband's eyes, as he looks at our son, such pride. I see such adventure, as he dreams of the day they will take their first fishing trip together. I see all of his dreams, forming in his mind, of the time they will spend together, and the lessons they will learn together. I see such devotion and great commitment, as he talks with me of the life lessons he desire us to pass on to Ezekiel. I see such love, the love of a father for his son. This love is great.

Today, February 22, 2012, I reflect on four years. Here, written, are only the highlights. Four years, full and brimming with such goodness. Rich blessing have been bestowed on us. Four years full of lessons learned, even hard ones. Joy experienced side by side. Faithfulness received. Forgiveness lived. Hope embraced. Grace poured out.

God does great things in our lives.