My family...I just don't know where to begin. It amazes me everyday how I can hear my parents' advice so clearly in any given moment, or think of my sister's sassy comments during any day, or miss my brother's late night conversation as I wash the dinner dishes.

There are moments when I pause and wait silently to drown out the world around us. There are moments when I curl up against my husband on the couch late at night, or when I grasp his hand and suddenly remember the blessing I live every day now. Somewhere in the back of my mind I hear my parents telling me how special love is. I hear their reminder to be careful of the interference of others. I hear their words as if they were beside me, reminding me that what God brings together no man may take apart. Not only do I hear it, I understand now. What God brings together must stay together. If He blesses you with something, you must know that He trusts you to keep it safe, to protect it, to guard it well with all your heart.

There are mornings when I wake up and set right about our schedule. There are moments when I find my spot on the couch, or my seat in the car, or even at my desk across from him and think nothing of it. Everyday though, at some point, sometimes during the very things I mentioned above, I remember. My breath catches; almost as if I can hold that breath, I can hold that moment. I fall silent and pray that he not ask me anything because I can't find my voice. My thoughts are far too busy drowning out the world, bringing me closer to ours. Our life together thus far comes to mind and I revel in the many memories we have already enjoyed together. I think of the late nights when sleep eludes us both because one, or both of us, is walking down memory lane & the other is walking alongside. I think of the tears shed as past pains are shared- the darkness of our room shielding the tears maybe, and yet still our pain is so clear to the other. I think of the moments when my husband and I are in the middle of our laughter and playing, and suddenly I find his eyes growing tender. In those moments it as though he is remembering something very dear to him, that perhaps he had missed a moment before. His look encourages me to think the very same of him.

Married life is not what the world makes it...unless, of course, you allow it to have a say so. Marriage is so much more than what I thought I knew it would be. It is a blessing to be held and kept close and loved every second of every day. God's mercy and my husband's great heart reminds me of this every day.