20 year mark!

        

January 8, 2004, UCLA campus.

That day was special. I was the newly commissioned officer's girlfriend, but he and I had marriage on our minds. A single long-stemmed red rose was placed in my hands to include me as one beloved. My airman's presidential commissioning would be the first of many ceremonies and formalities I would attend by his side. 

I wore a soft pink sweater and a long tan coat I'd purchased in China with my teacher's salary several years prior. I hadn't needed to wear the lined overcoat much but it was a chilly, overcast January day in Los Angeles. Despite the weather, I reached out to warmly welcome family guests who drove in. They knew my basic history and could relate to a degree, having lived overseas and traveled broadly. At lunch that day, my future father-in-law was highly impressed as I spoke Chinese with the waitress and poured tea for all at our round table. Both language and custom came naturally and smoothly. I was trying to be myself, a little less shy than normal; a good hostess since all the family was from out of town. 

Everybody went home that night and seven months later we'd gather again for the wedding in Newport Beach. 

It has been such an honor to serve in unity these twenty years. Quite the odd fit without a military background, yet I've felt treasured and recognized as a valued member. Like any spouse, I've come up against aggravating challenges as well as health crises. The best part is learning from and growing past each. With each assignment, I can think of several things that were hard, horrible, or just dumb from my view. Thank God there are even more blessings, good people, and cool experiences that have enriched my life at each place. 

What would I say to that twenty-something girl in her pink sweater, not yet engaged, unaware of all life held for her in the days ahead? What do I say to myself now, older and still unaware of what lies ahead? In another couple of decades, I will probably look back to this particular point and think the same thing.

"Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee" Psa. 39:5

"Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." Isaiah 46:4

I'm so glad the Lord reminds us to focus on his strength rather than our own; to not fuss over how much time has passed or when we reach a certain "old" age. The Mighty, Eternal God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor that He is, carries and sustains. How much better it is to face whatever may come next when we know and believe this.  

January 8, 2024, means a lot, not simply because we are eligible for a good retirement. The view I have from this end is elevated from before. Experience and perspective filtered through the lens of God's Word continue to strengthen my faith and resolve.