We just returned from one of the most amazing trips of our lives. Thanks to you internet for suggesting all of the fun things that we did and LOVED. We relaxed, we explored, we went on adventures, drank fruity drinks and enjoy just being with each other. It was truly and amazingly wonderful. As we danced under the moon to softly played Hawaiian music, listening to the splash of the waves on the beach, I cried, BIG, FAT, happy tears of joy. My heart was completely and utterly overwhelmed with thankfulness. Thankful to the life that God has given me, the opportunity to travel 5,000 miles to paradise, to be healthy, for my family, all of these wonderful things pressed into my heart, all at once. Truly overwhelming.
But mostly, at that moment, I prayed a silent prayer of gratitude for my husband. And as we danced together, I was reminded of the past four years of our marriage, of our growth, and of our future to come.
I was young when we were married, and while Dave is three years older than me, he himself was young too. We had no idea what we were doing, except that we knew that we should be married. We also knew that marriage was good, not scary and something that would grow us in ways that never dreamed of. That all being said, again, we had no idea what we were doing.
We are by no means a perfect couple. We are polar opposites, politically, emotionally, artistically, in personality, everything about us could not be more different, except for one: we are both stubborn. In our first year of marriage, this was overly evident. As we tried to learn more about each other, learn to live with one another, our differences and our shortcomings were apparent. There was no honeymoon bliss, just a real need for growth, Jesus, and patience for one another.
But that's the thing with marriage. It's hard work. It's hard work to love. It's a never ending calling to love someone unconditionally every single day. But that's how you grow! And growth, is always a beautiful thing! As we danced under the stars that night, we were reminded of how we have grown together, in love. I truly never thought I could be able to say that I loved Dave more than the day I married him. But it's true. That love has only grown and deepened into something I could never have imagined.
We are still learning to be patient, to love unconditionally, to surrender our pride and to practice grace for one another. We have a long way to go. But I can say with confidence of how far we have come together. This trip would not have been the same had it been four years ago and it was apparent how great God's timing is. He knows exactly what we need, when we need it.
In all honesty, I'm not a travel photographer and while I was in Hawaii, this trip wasn't about taking a million Hawaiian photographs (even though I did). It was about enjoying life with my hubby, relaxing and spending time with one another, which we did PLENTY of:) So in lieu of a image heavy posting, I'll show my two favorite from our trip. Enjoy!
