M.I.A.

Last night I had a good scare over my husband.

We went to church in the evening, and then I went to go pick up our dog from his mom's while he was going to pick up food.  I got home a little after 8 and he wasn't there, which surprised me.  He should've beat me home.
"Oh well, he must have been talking to someone at church", I thought.

After about 30 minutes, I called him to check in thinking "Maybe it's easier at this point for me to get food or cook something".
He didn't answer my call.
This is very unlike him - especially if I call once or twice and he realizes I'm trying to get a hold of him.

After an hour, I was texting and calling again, and still no response.  I texted some people at church who didn't respond right away.

By 9:45 I was VERY nervous.  I started praying, calling his phone, texting him, praying, debating on driving back towards the church to see if I saw him anywhere.
Right as I was about to hop in the car, I heard a faint ringing on the house phone... it was upstairs.  I flew up the stairs so fast (we have 3 flights by the way.... NOT fun when you're rushing) and answered the phone, and heard by Beloved's voice on the other end.  I was so relieved to hear his voice, and it was obvious right away that he was OK.  He talked with a friend who not only really needed him, but ministered right back to Brandon as well.

We ate at about 10:30 that night (our stomachs did not thank us for that this morning), but I was just glad he was OK.

This morning I realized a few things.
He wasn't, in the perspective of missing persons, gone all that long.  But knowing that he should have been home made me think about how even a short time without someone you love... especially when you are worried about their safety, can feel like a long time.
When I found out he was OK, I teared up, I was thankful and when he got home I hugged him and kissed him and snuggled him.  Then I realized how much I take him for granted in the day-to-day.  Why don't I react that way every time I see him? Why don't I always appreciate him for all he is and all he does till I'm concerned I might be loosing it?  I realized now is the best time to start being more thankful for this man God gave me.

BE WARNED: The rest of the post may get sappy.  Read along at your own risk  :)

Us after dating for 2 weeks as a friends wedding.

One of the things that has always attracted me to Brandon is his humor.  He makes me laugh every day.  He is witty, silly, quirky (and has no problem embarrassing me in public).  He has a special way of making my sad or mundane days turn into joyful days.  And yes, I'll say it, he's helped me become funnier too.  :)

Us "taking on the world"

We have been through A LOT together.  I know everyone says that, and I think it's true for every couple in their own ways.  We have had a lot of struggles so far, and I know there will always be more as we continue through life.  And there have definitely been times where one or both of us has "lost it" in the midst of those trials.  But there is NOTHING like knowing, even in the middle of a freak out, that you BOTH are 100% committed to the Lord, that you BOTH are 100% committed to each other.  I am never concerned that one day he'll say "Good game" and head out of my life.  I am not concerned that our faith in Jesus or each other will crumble.  I am so thankful that God has given me a man I can trust and rely on.

Also, all of these trails have drawn us closer together.  In the last year especially, even though it's been one of the hardest years so far, has been one where we've really been challenged in our faith.  I have seen Brandon really rise up and seek truth and wisdom when it feels like things are falling apart.  He's grown and he's been leading us with more power and confidence and greater understanding of who God is... and I know it's just the beginning!  He's challenged me to remain in truth and keep my mind focused on God's perspective instead of my own.  He's comforted me when I feel sad or lost. He is a gift.

On top of this, I'm thankful that I have a man who cares for other people.  He even cares enough to realize that, as much as he loves me, answering the phone in the middle of his important conversation last night would not have been edifying to his friend.  It could have not only prematurely ended the conversation, but it could have hurt his friend's feelings as well.  I admire how much he cares for people, especially because he has had plenty of opportunities to be fed up with close relationships that have walked away.

I am so thankful for this man of mine.  I pray that I would stop and consider him more often and be thankful for him and for our relationship.  That I'd hug and kiss him everyday as if I haven't seen him in days. 
That I'd take the time to listen to him, pray for him more and more, and consider him before myself.  This can be hard for me when I enter "Business Mode", the mode I often get in when things need to be done.  I breeze through and check it all off the list and leave him in the dust.
Lord, help me to relax and devote my time where it is most important.  Break me of "Business Mode".

I hope you can also take today to consider those in your life and spend time telling them how grateful you are for them!