Love and Destiny

I love Charles. Sometimes when we are just going about our day wiping-up messes, passing the potatoes, changing diapers, helping kids with homework, surviving, and running from one activity to the next -- sometimes I forget to express the love that I am feeling. Sometimes I assume he just knows my intense love for him without me saying, or without me showing him. I assume he can read my mind, and he knows that: Charles + Mari = LOVE, has been permanently carved on my heart. 

But as Shakespeare put it: 

"They do not love, that do not show their love."

And that is the truth! 

I had a dream last night that reminded me of a night over 14 years ago. It was a night where Charles and I sat across from each other, wondering if we were making the right choice to get married. We were scared. We were so young. We had nothing, and we knew nothing -- except that we "loved" each other, and wanted to be together. It was a scary night, filled with doubt and fear. We were very close to calling everything off . . . but as we kept talking things through, we came up with the conclusion that being together was what we really wanted. We worked through our fears, and we chose to link our futures together -- forever. 

My dream caused me to awake with a sense of amazement, as I considered what would not have been, had we chosen not to get married. (Sammi, Daniel, William, and Henry -- just to mention a few.) I considered how many places we have been together, how many people we have come to know, and love, how many lives we have touched in some way. I considered the people we have become. The things that we have learned and grown from. I considered the life we have created for our family. I was left in awe how all of this could have been undone in one moment of decision all those years ago. The life we live now is a result of the choice we made then, as inexperienced, young, immature, babies. 

We were just little kids who were in love. And that love has grown into a family. And I find myself taking a moment to consider how amazing that is. And how I am so eternally grateful for Charles, and the love and joy we have shared over the years. 

I am in awe that our love has formed our destiny. This life we live now, this family we have created -- it is a result of my love for Charles, his love for me, and our love for God. 

I am amazed -- truly amazed, as I consider what might have been, or not been! 

Also, I have been reminded by my dream, that we need to show the love that we feel in our hearts. Our words, our actions, should portray the love that burns within us. Expressions of love need to be shown, not just felt on the insides to hide away, just for you. A kiss, a hug, a kind word or two, expressing appreciation . . . they go a long way. Sometimes we may not feel like reaching outside of ourselves to give from within us, but I think it is so important. It takes effort, it requires action. You can be deliberate about showing your love. It is worth it. Love is always worth it! 

And consider . . . 

"They DO love, that DO show their love." 

I want the world to know that I love Charles. I am so grateful, and blessed, to have him by my side. When I take a moment to really think about him, my heart gets fluttery, and my soul fills with gratitude that we found each other out of the billions of people in the world -- what a miracle! 

We have come a long way -- from love to destiny -- with forever to go! 

I sure adore this guy.