As we hung up the phone, I sat there wondering why did those things not mean something to me. It's not like they haven't at other points in my life. My thoughts quickly shifted to the last few years and all that has occurred. Like a rewind of a movie where you relive the pain, growth, and change. That's when I found the answer.
SEASONS OF LIFE
Each season of our life adds another layer to the others and to the foundation of our soul. For me, I've been in a season of simplicity. Hours spent wondering what truly matters in life and realizing it isn't found in things. Instead it's found in people, laughter, love, crying alone or with someone who's in pain. It's walks, talks, holding hands, and kisses.
For a number of months I had a vision about a quick trip I wanted to take to cross-off a bucket list item. However, I was waiting for something very particular to occur. Knowing that when it did it would be cause for celebration.
WAIT....what did I just say? A celebratory event! Wouldn't an anniversary classify as a celebratory event? Sometimes I think we think of things and put them in a box related to how we presume they should play-out or be used. But in doing so we lose the opportunity to take that small idea and let it grow in other ways, which frankly may end up being an even grander idea than our original vision.
DREAM GIFTS ARE MAGICAL
I quickly phoned Eddie to announce "I know what I want my gift to be!" See, I have a short list of pastors I enjoy watching on television but I'd love to hear them preach in person.
- Creflo Dollar, World Changers Church
- Joyce Meyers
- Joel Osteen, Lakewood Church
- Joseph Prince
- Priscilla Shirer
"Would you take me to Houston to see Joel Osteen as my anniversary gift?", I asked. I couldn't image a more perfect gift. A weekend away for two and being filled spiritually by a man of God. "Of course, my love", he replied.
We found an amazing hotel - Hotel Alessandra - that opened its doors barely a month ago. Everything was perfect - service, ambiance, furnishings, food and beverage - all of it done to perfection. They even worked with Eddie to have the most amazing rose bouquet waiting in the room when we arrived. Each rose had the outer two layers gentle rolled back to expand the beauty of the flower. I'd never seen anything like it. It was breathtaking and inspiring especially knowing it was created with me in mind. It reminded me of God and the beauty of the world around us.
We filled the weekend with strolls through the Greenstreet district, which is simply gorgeous, long talks, hand holding, and sweet kisses. It was exactly what my dream called for, actually it was better.
A Lakewood Adventure
As I rose Sunday morning, I felt a strange darkness surround me. I knew what it was because I've experienced it before. It's the enemy. He knows you are about to do something that will grow your faith, change your life and strengthen your bound with God so he attacks your mind. Those are the moments when you have to push forward and say "I don't care how I feel. I'm going. There must be something amazing about to happen for Satan to desire to stop me" and I was right.
From the music to the sermons given by both Joel and Victoria Osteen it was amazing and stirred my soul with the presence of God. When we entered the church we must have had that "I have no idea where to go" look because a gentleman quickly approached us. After announcing we were visiting from SA he provided us with an escort. She was a kind and friendly soul who made us feel welcomed as she told us about the church and what we could expect from the experience, including having the opportunity to meet Joel after the service. She guided us down to the floor just rows away from the stage and with a 50-yard view. I was as giddy as a school girl and found it hard not to keep telling Eddie "Thank you for making this dream come true!".
After the service we walked to the visitors reception. As we stood waiting to meet Joel, Eddie went off and purchased Joel's newest book Blessed in the Darkness. "You can have him sign it", Eddie stated. Just like that the final gift of the weekend was given...a book made of paper, which is the traditional gift you give your spouse on your first anniversary.
BLESSED IN THE DARKNESS
These last two years haven't been the easiest for Eddie and I. Instead, they have been filled with so much craziness like I have never experienced before. But by the grace of God, we have been given the gift of drawing closer together instead of further apart. We have seen the power love can have when storms swirl about you. We have seen the beauty of what it means to be blessed in the darkness.
For many the word simplicity denotes a life lacking excitement, meaning, and purpose. But I have found simplicity means being able to see and feel the beauty of the world around you. Something often missed by others because they are looking for the "BIG" moments. Yet, with simplicity you find great satisfaction and peace...you find true love that God alone can offer.
To God - I thank you for the blessings in the darkness.
To Eddie - I thank you for being my forever husband whose gentle heart inspires and moves me in the most beautiful of ways.
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