I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. – (Psalm 31:7, NIV)
Your kindness makes me so happy. You have seen my suffering. You know about the troubles I have. – (Psalm 31:7, ERV)
I will gladly rejoice because of Your gracious love because You recognized the sadness of my affliction. You felt deep compassion when You saw the pains of my soul. – (Psalm 31:7, VOICE)
More than nine years ago, I was in a space of such sadness in my soul. My marriage of many years had ended and I had to trust God completely to pick up the pieces and mend my heart. He faithfully surrounded me and my kids with family and community that helped heal our hearts and I was able to discover who He had made me to be as just me, not as merely a part of a pair. Seven years ago, I was in a good space; I was completely content being single and focusing on raising our boys. However, God clearly had a better plan for me, as I met this gentle giant of a man who was kind and set my heart at ease from the first time we met. For the next two years I learned how to be loved as who God made me to be. No criticism or unkindness, only encouragement, support, and love. Five years ago today, we were married in my mom’s backyard overlooking the river and orchards below, surrounded by mountain foothills and our closest friends and family. Here we are, five years later, and we have three kids who are successfully navigating their way into adulthood, and one bonus kid who is finding his footing after losing all that he had. I am so grateful for God’s compassion for me and His love that is demonstrated to me through my spouse. Of course no relationship is perfect, yet I know I am perfectly loved. We have navigated challenges, hardships, heartaches, and great victories; I am certain that it has been God’s gracious love and strong capable hands that have held us and led us to today. May we ever look back at God’s goodness and give Him praise, and look forward with great anticipation for all that lies ahead with His leading.
The Lord is so good,
for He knows our heart;
He picks up pieces,
when we fall apart.
He heals what’s hurting,
and makes things brand new;
my heart was transformed,
when He gave me you.
To truly be loved,
in tangible ways;
treasured and valued,
throughout each new day.
One to walk beside,
through all that life brings;
protected, cherished,
always, through all things.
Through the ups and downs,
and the highs and lows;
together we walk,
and see God’s love shown.
O Lord, I thank You,
for this gift of grace;
he reflects Your heart,
by loving Your way.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of love that You have given me in my Viking. You knew exactly what my heart needed to love and trust the way You designed. Thank You for leading us, carrying us, and showing us each next step as we together, follow after You. Forgive us for the times that we have taken the blessings for granted. Teach us to continue to seek You to lead us in the ways we are meant to go. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as I praise You for the amazing gift that You have given to me in my spouse, and for the treasure he is as a protector and provider to our community as well. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
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
*All photos in this post were taken by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤
Revelations In Writing 