Twenty Years of Us

 Twenty years. It sounds like such a big number, and yet, it doesn't feel that long at all. Today marks two decades since we stood on that pier in Key West, surrounded by family, wind, sunlight, and promised to love each other for life. Two decades of laughter, grace, and growth. Two decades of choosing each other-- even when it was hard, even when life didn't go as planned-- and trusting that God would meet us in the middle. 

I still remember the morning of our wedding day like it was yesterday. We started the day with a run. Before the day swept us up, we met early, laced up our shoes, and explored Key West, logging the miles together. It was so us. I don't remember how far we went, but I remember how right it felt-- like we were literally running into our future together. 

Later that day, standing on the pier, I got lost in your eyes during our vows. We still laugh about that moment today. We were so full of promise, wide-eyed and hopeful, believing that love could carry us through anything. And somehow, by the grace of God, it has. 

Now, twenty years later, that promise has been realized. We are what I hoped for, what I dreamed of... and more. When I look at you now, I still get lost in your eyes, but I also see all that we've created-- a life built on faith, laughter, forgiveness, and love that keeps deepening and fueling us forward. We did it. We are doing it. Living. Loving. Together. 

And as I think of our children, I hope they see it too. I hope they see what love looks like-- not perfect, but persistent. I hope they see two people who work at it (and have fun doing so), who give grace, and support each other through it all. I hope they know how deeply we love each other, and how much we love them. Because this life, this marriage, this family is one of the greatest gifts God has given us and in turn, one of the greatest gifts we've given to Samantha, TJ, and Grant. This is what love is. 

I know we promised to go back to Key West every ten years to celebrate. We made it on our 10th, but this year, life had other plans. Still, we will find our way back. And when we do, we'll lace up our shoes again, trace those familar streets, and thank God for twenty years-- for all the answered prayers I didnt even know to pray, and for the way we have put one foot in front of the other, one mile, one moment at a time. 

Happy Anniversary! Here's to us and to all of the life we have yet to live side-by-side.