So it's been a long time since we posted! It took me a while to get over Ben's rational musings on my favorite girlhood movie, but I have survived! :)
I suppose the reason why there have been no recent posts is possibly because there has been little news. We have been living rather quietly, with no major disasters or adventures. Ben has been busy with band camp, meetings, and lesson planning. I have been playing guitar a lot in preparation for my internship, keeping house, learning how to be content in all things, and trying to support my husband in his busyness. We've made it to the beach a few times and have enjoyed some quiet nights at home playing checkers and drinking beer. :)
Our first anniversary was 2 weekends ago, and we celebrated all week long with little things like watching our wedding DVD, looking at the wedding album, and recalling special memories. I borrowed an idea from a friend and made a book for Ben where I wrote down special memories from our first year together. We also got to go to dinner at a nice restaurant in the City Place, and enjoyed the opportunity to dress up and go out on the town. ;)
The last year being married to Ben has been the best year of my life. The element of companionship in marriage is almost too deep for words, because God creates intimacy between two people who love him and each other when they don't even notice it. Looking back to the day that we were married, I had no idea that I would love Ben in the way that I do today --- and I loved him a LOT! The process of moving through life together, making decisions together, comforting one another, and working out problems day by day all while under the authority of Christ is a journey that is hard but it leads to delight - delight in one another as companions for life, and delight in the God who loves us enough to give us such a gift.
As a teenager dreaming of the man that I would one day marry, I could not have imagined such a man as Ben Sparrow - one who loves me unconditionally, leads our family in truth and wisdom, and does not seek to live up to any standards of the world but those of our Father alone. He loves me for who I am, accepting me completely despite the faults that he knows I have. He forgives me freely, without hesitation and without holding it against me. He treasures me as his wife, loving me tenderly and thoughtfully and with abandon - I feel safe and secure in his love. He is handsome and his presence is a comfort to me. He is also my buddy - we can have fun on a grand adventure or a quiet night at home. I just love being with him whatever we do. He kind and gracious to everyone that he meets. He is known for his kindness and ability to get along with others, and his reputation of integrity is well-known. All of these Christ-like traits that I see in my husband point me to Christ as I see and experience them daily. As we move through life together and experience the faithfulness of our Savior over and over again, I realize how blessed I am to have such a partner for life. Not only is he my husband and lover and companion, he is my very best friend.
Well, i didn't intend for this post to beva tribute to my wonderful husband, but it is! You never know where a rambling, spaghetti-right-brained writer will end up, but it's always an adventure! Speaking of adventures, we are on our way to look at used cars! That is a whole new deal for us! :)
