Seven Years

(Posted by Nicole)

Today is our seven year anniversary.

Significant Events of the Past Seven Years:

1 Honeymoon
2 Moves (another in a couple weeks)
2 yrs + 164 Days of pregnancy
3 Beautiful children
1 Miscarriage
1 Change in occupation
14 Days spent in the hospital
2 Surgeries
2 Short-term mission trips
55 Pounds gained (net)
4 Middle of the night trips to the hospital
2 Visits to the ER
8 Family Vacations
10 mo. On the housing market
1 yr + 4 mo. Living with parents
1 New house almost finished

A lot has happened in the time that we have been married. It is easy to lose sight of that in the mundane of day-to-day life. But this week, I’ve taken a lot of time to reflect on the past seven years. (Driving to and from the hospital tends to be a little thought-provoking.)

And I can’t help but say “Look at what God has done! He has done great things!” My Lord has taken the pain and heartache of two broken lives and made something beautiful. I am so thankful that My Lord knows me better than I do. And He knew exactly what I needed in a husband. And He made it perfectly clear who my husband should be.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (The Holy Bible)

The third strand is God (for those of you out there who aren't familiar with this passage from the Bible). We've had lots of ups and downs over these seven years. He was the key to our first seven years and He is the key to the remaining time we have together on this earth. The years ahead will no doubt provide much more joy and heartache. The Third Strand is what will to hold us together.

There is peace in knowing that God can use the good and the bad for His purposes. God can be glorified in all these things. And a life that glorifies the Lord is a life well lived. My prayer is that our lives will glorify the Lord.