Our First Holiday

   Today is a sobering day. I woke up this morning aware of the day's pending festivities...wondering how I could ever express my thankfulness to the God who created me, gave me new Life and a new family. As a new earthly family, Austin and I want our legacy to be more than just traditions of over-eating and sleeping in, though the break is a much welcomed one. The first words out of my mouth this morning were, "Austin, what will we do as a family...knowing that the Indians were mal-treated and yet God has provided us this land, but should we, ya know, like study Indians and pray for them...or what should we do?!" Austin is learning that I wake up with my mind going a mile a minute, but no filter to make sense of it all.

   We know life didn't "begin" when we got married less than 3 weeks ago, but sometimes it feels like it when learning how to do all the normal things of life with another person. We are in Nashville, Tennessee for Thanksgiving, celebrating our first big holiday as a new family. We are so excited to be spending time with both of our families this week and into the weekend, but what will we do as we now form our own traditions? Will we focus our gaze on Christ in the midst of a chaotic holiday season? These are the questions before me as I sit in the silence before the storm of family gatherings later today.

    This is really the first time Austin and I have been able to sit down and decompress since returning from the wedding and honeymoon. We have had a great couple of weeks merging our lives into one home, and getting back into the swing of work and preparing for upcoming ministry in Denver. What a joy it has been to spend my days and nights with this wonderful man that God has given me. He teaches me daily of the Lord's grace and leadership. I am honored to fall under his leadership. I just looked over to Austin and asked, "What is one thing you have learned so far in being married?" He breathes a heavy sigh, as I can see his wheels turning. He brings his hands together, eyebrows go up...his "message" face is on. He has something profound to say. "The one thing I have learned is how unprepared I am to be a good husband. Every decision I made before we got married was for me. Now I consider you in everything. Everything I do effects you. I am learning that my call is to shepherd and guide you as my wife." I love this man. He has a way of bringing things back to the root, or should I say the Vine. He has a great way of communicating our place as the branches, as Christ is the Vine. I have learned that as we stay connected to the Vine, my call to serve, love, and submit to my husband really comes easier than I thought. It is a joy to be done the way God designed it. I am not exactly sure how to express these things yet, but in due time the Spirit will show it. More to come.

   Back to Thanksgiving. I pray that God would direct our hearts to the things that He delights in today. Holiday or not, this is our prayer each day. How merciful of our God to not give us what we deserve today, but instead gives us Life in His family. This alone gives me thankfulness in my heart- and I know Austin agrees, and may we have the chance to express this to our families today.