The Season of Singing

Seven years ago, I married my sweetheart, my beloved.

Another year has past. As I reflect back on the last twelve months, and read back over the year's posts, I realize what a year it has been...

There has been pain and heartache. There have been trials. There has been rejoicing. 

Our love has grown to a deeper place that I did not even know existed.  

"I am my beloved's and beloved is mine."

"Listen! My beloved! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice. My beloved spoke and said to me, 'Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.'"

What an even more meaningful anniversary, for our love for each other is being fully expressed 

in our growing miracle.

The season of singing has come. 

My Michael

I love the way you look at me from across the room.

I love the way you wink your eye, only at me.

I love the way you know just how to hold my hand.

I love how you make me want to be a better person, to be unselfish, to seek God.

I love how you blow kisses to me every time I have to watch you leave on a plane for work.

I love how I sob when you leave on your business trips, because it reminds me of the treasure that you are, and keeps me thankful for the man that you are.

I love how you gently play with my hair.

I love how you hate touching feet, but will still rub mine, even if I have to beg.

I love how you rub my back every night.

I love how I know exactly what you are thinking just by the glance you give.

I love how you keep me grounded.

I love how you are an incredible guitarist and you don't even realize it.

I love how it drives me crazy that you are musically gifted without the help of any music theory or training.

I love how you worship God with the gifts He's given you.

I love how you lead others by example.

I love how you are a straight-shooter.

I love how you seek God in everything.

I love how happy it makes you to see me happy, even if it means taking me to Sea World and spending an hour at the sting ray tank.

I love how others look to you for advice.

I love how we seem to say the same movie quotes at the same time.

I love your aroma, without cologne.

I love how your quiet presence can fill a room.

I love how you listen and are slow to respond.

I love how you are patient with my shortcomings.

I love when we are leading worship together, I glance over at you, your hands are raised in worship, and you are singing out to God. 

I love how you are like a kid in a candy store when you get a steak.

I love how you kept all hope for God to give us a child, when I had lost all hope.

I love how you reminded me when I needed it most that God still heals, God still performs miracles. 

I love how you just let me cry, without me feeling embarrassed about it.

I love how strong you are.

I love when I can see your emotions, even when you come across emotion-less.

I love how you have been a father to our little friends.

I love how you look when you ride your motorcycle.

I love how you provide for me.

I love how you exemplify Colossians 3:23.

I love how your co-workers, peers, and friends respect and look to you.

I love how you invest in the youth.

I love how you come home from work, give me hugs and kisses, and rub my belly.

I love it when you grow out your beard in the fall.

I love how you kiss me.

I love how people think we are that "cute couple."

I love how my heart still skips a beat when I see you.

I love how we still feel like newlyweds.

I love how you make sure not to miss a single baby appointment, and your willingness to be there in every aspect of this pregnancy.

I love how you put up with my non-stop picture taking.

I love how you sit and watch the Bachelor with me.

I love how you love my parents, and consider them "mom" and "dad."

I love how you have your father's eyes.

I love how Ginger watches and waits for you.

I love how knowing our unborn baby is a girl already melts your heart.

I love how you found some girly baby outfits, and said "I'm getting these. She has to have these."

I love how I love to dress up for you.

I love how you make me feel pretty, seven years later.

I love your laugh.

I love how when you smile really big, you get "smile lines" on the corners of your eyes.

I love how I can always depend on you for wise, thought out advice.

I love how our baby girl kicks like crazy when you poke at my belly. No one else can do that, not even me.

I love how you love her already.

I love how you kiss my belly, and talk to her.

I love how she is going to be "daddy's girl."

I love how you think I am most beautiful now, when I am carrying our baby.

I love how you love me.

I am thankful.

I am blessed.

I love you, my Michael.