I have tried many times to sit down and write this post, and then fear sets in and I abandon the whole idea. God has asked me to share my story, and I keep resisting and trying to do it on my terms and only share what is comfortable. He is asking me to trust Him with Everything, but it’s scary! It’s easy to share the happy bits, like my blissfully happy marriage, my adorable kids, our successes, and triumphs. The rough stuff however is not quite so easy. But alas, those are the things that have helped me grow and have brought me closer to God. So of course, those are the things that He has asked me to share.
My husband and I have been together for about two and a half years. In fact, today we are celebrating our wedding anniversary. At times it feels like we met just yesterday, and others it feels as though it has been an eternity. Many have heard me say that Matthew is the greatest example in my life of how much God loves me. What a blessing he is! He is one of the most loving, romantic, creative, faithful, handsome, kind, goodhearted people I have ever met. He would do just about anything for anyone. When God told me that He had someone very special prepared for me, I never could have imagined a man as perfect for me as Matthew.
While I personally believe that my husband is amazing, he is also human and has made some very human mistakes. He has made choices that have impacted his freedom that will follow him for many years. Fifteen years ago, Matthew committed a crime that under current state law requires him to register as a sex offender. Not exactly what I was imagining when I pictured the man I would marry! A registered sex offender? No thank you! But being with Matthew has taught me some valuable lessons. I have learned forgiveness in a whole new way. I have learned unconditional love. The kind of love that is not contingent on actions or circumstances. I have learned what it means to trust God and His plan, especially when I have no idea what He is thinking! Life is not what I expected, but it really is so good.
We celebrated today at one of our favorite restaurants, Jack Stacks, and then got a cheese cake caramel apple and ice cream at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. On our way home we stopped and got our wedding rings cleaned and polished. So grateful for the time that we were able to spend together! Happy Two Years, My Love! Thank goodness for eternity because nothing else would be long enough.
