http://ezinearticles.com/?Traditional-Christian-Wedding-Vows&id=401286
IN GOOD TIMES
Zack's niece turned 15 on Friday, so Saturday night we had a birthday party for her at her grandma's house. The attendees were the Birthday Girl herself, her younger brother, their dad, their grandma, Zack and I. It feels so good to be a part of the family and to enjoy the benefits of that position: I'm able to join in the celebrations and life events that help shape who we are together.
The food was good, as is always the case when Zack's mom is flexing her culinary muscles. Watching his niece unwrap her presents and listening as she read out loud the notes from her cards was such a warm thing: it's a good feeling to see her value being reinforced. Parties always seem to be fun, even if you're not necessarily a key player in the festivities.
IN BUSY
I can't say that it was bad in any way, but Sunday was definitely a BUSY day all around. We all went to church together providing a peaceful start for our day. After the service, we talked with the lady who knows what's going on (read: church secretary) about confirming the date for our wedding and making the down payment. The date is set and the check is written.It's so official now!
Once we departed the church building, we went to have lunch and then on to the mall in order to find some new clothes for Zack's niece. His mom and I scoured the racks for the right sizes and good deals, double checking that what we were finding was what she was looking for. At this point it should be said that Zack's niece is a very patient, very agreeable young lady. She tried on several outfits and was understanding in the event that we accidentally grabbed the wrong size or style. I can't remember her saying a single negative thing the whole afternoon, unless you're counting the few comments frustratedly aimed at her younger brother. Several events in the past few months have stoked my anticipation about being an aunt to such cool kids and getting to encourage them as my aunts have encouraged me.
Zack also got his "cool uncle" kicks in by rescuing his nephew away to a less-girly zone. They got the matriarchal blessing and hastily left to check out shoes, shorts and other guy stuff. It wasn't too long before they came back and checked in with us though; just long enough to keep his nephew from going bananas from boredom and driving his older sister bonkers too.
It was a pretty long afternoon, as can happen when clothes shopping is on the agenda. But the afternoon was another period of time that allowed me to kind of mentally take a step back and have my affection for such a generous, godly man reinforced. (He might not self-identify with the latter label, but the more time I spend with him, the more I see these divine influences on his character, his senses of compassion, justice, generosity and even humour.)
Things are rarely "perfect," at least according to the way I imagine most people would define the word. Imperfection adds so much richness and a little tension can strengthen the sinews, if approached correctly. I honestly do not have the words to express my delight and excitement over getting to spend my life with Zack.
Grateful.
I am ever so grateful.
NOTE: This post took a little while longer to finish than I anticipated (6/10/11).
