the little things

First off, sorry it's been awhile. I am totally sucking at not letting work own me. Please forgive the lack of posting, if anyone out there is listening.

And on to the little things...

Collin & I are back into the whirlwind of life. I feel confident that we are pursuing the Lord in the ways we are (generally) spending our time, but it is nonetheless a bit tiring. I've learned to not hope in the next stage of life being less crazy, as generally that turns out to be a false hope, and the the next stage of life turns out equally or more crazy. This is Jesus' way of instructing me on how to hope in Him alone, that I may be content in where He has put me.

Anyhow, in the midst of the crazy, Collin & I had a couple of quiet nights alone together this week. As much as I appreciate being busy and productive, there's just something to be said about sitting quietly with the hubs and reading a book. Or going on an evening walk together. Or just laughing... These sorts of evenings are one of God's little graces to me.

On Valentine's Day, Collin started an email conversation with me (I get email on my work phone, and since he works in a basement with no phone reception this is how we communicate during the day). He wrote, "I will be sending you emails today about why you are my favorite.  This is installation 1. You are my favorite because..." This became a reciprocal conversation throughout the day. And though we had a lovely Valentine's date, the emails about the little things we love about each other delighted my heart more than anything. How gracious God has been to give me a loving, faithful husband to walk through life with.

So a few things about Collin that make him my favorite:
1. He's both strong and gentle in his dealings with me, even when I'm a total nutcase.
2. He accepts correction and/or criticism more graciously than most people I know.
3. He makes up little songs pretty regularly, usually making light of something one or both of us did. Sometimes it's about crazy drivers, bizarre happenings we pass by, or anything else weird that we don't really know how to respond to. (He's also my favorite person have a spontaneous dance party with in these situations.)
4. He does things to try and help my sanity, like clean out my mess of a car and have it detailed. Wonderful, I know.
5. He meets and welcomes new people into our life all the time. He's amazing at this.

That's just a brief snapshot, but it's remembering these little things that warms my affections for Collin and ultimately increases my gratitude towards the good God who gave me my loving husband that I don't deserve.