It came to me the other day that my life at this very moment is the “happily ever after” I dreamed about growing up. And I need to remind myself of that more often.
As Michael and I read “Guess How Much I Love You?” to Gabriel before bedtime, and Gabriel falls asleep all sweaty and happy on Michael’s chest.
As I watch Michael and Gabriel wrestle after dinner.
As I snuggle with my sweet husband on the couch in front of a movie on a quiet weeknight (We’re LOVING Netflix)
As I feel the rolls and kicks and hiccups of the precious baby girl inside of me.
As Michael and I make plans and dreams for our future.
As we pray for God’s guidance in our lives and let Him lead us in the never-boring, always-surprising, wonderful plan He’s got for our lives.
You know what also came to me on this topic? Unlike what I thought as a little girl and what too many young women think, my “happily ever after” didn’t start once I finally get to wear that pretty white dress and walk down the aisle.
It started in college, actually, when I finally began letting God lead my life, when, to the best of my abilities, I started making choices and living out my relationships based on discernment in prayer and on Christ-like behavior.
That’s when Happily Ever After began, because that’s when I first remember feeling the incredible peace that comes with letting God into your life completely. I think that peace is a part of everyone’s personal Happily Ever After, whether they’ve ever thought about it like that or not.
There may not be peace in every part of my life right now, but overall, I do have an inner peace of God that I draw from when those challenging small and bigger trials arise.
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I sure did LOVE my Pretty White Dress though 🙂
Thanks for bringing me to this old post, Erin. You are so right. My happiness starts now.
In the back of my mind I am always thinking of the future. I think about in what ways I can be a woman of dignity and a very loving wife to my future husband. I think about the moments when I first realize that I am going to be a mom(Lord willing), & how I'll pray every day for the little one inside of me. And I think about all of these things that I just know I will do to glorify God.
But then I have to stop myself and realize that God doesn't have me in the future yet, and I can glorify him now in different ways.
Thanks!
Andrea
LOOOVE your wedding dress, you wore it well! Cute post! 🙂
Amen! You're always so life-giving. You are a treasure!
Erin,
How beautiful are your words, and so true! We are living the happily ever after. Miss you and your beautiful family!!