I have been meaning to write for a while and despite my best intentions I have come up empty. Blogging isn’t my highest priority as it once was.
I am glad what got done over break. How I spent it and what was done in it. Although tiring hectic and chaotic at times, the time was certainly not wasted and I would say was well spent.
...and I have a still spell to reflect here and pray through the next two quarters and wanted to write about some recent thoughts that give me reason to rejoice.
My thoughts as of late have been directed towards the two weddings I attended this past Saturday with Elise. The pleasure of bringing Elise into my family and becoming my future wife! is that I have gotten to in a sense join hers. I am a part of her family and seeing and meeting the people she grew up with. The ones who were a part of who she has become, And from the two wedding I just got this sense that these, those who grew up with Elise were immensely Christ centered and they were focused and fixated on the gospel going forth, you could tell that these people they loved God. And you see that bubble over through Elise.
And I really want to write more, but I don’t know what to say beyond to simply state that I am immensely thankful for the people that God brought into Elise’s life while she was growing up.
The first wedding we attended on Saturday I found a wine and champagne I actually liked. Which is remarkable in its own right. But I think it was more so the fact I felt willing to celebrate with these couples because I found reason to celebrate without fear because what they were embarking upon with the family that surrounded them I had no doubt that their marriages would be strong and they are surrounded by people who will encourage pray and offer wise advice.
I found myself on a couch at the second wedding and began to be overcome by sadness because I didn’t really have that in my own life growing up, At least to the same intensity of remarkable Christian people that surrounded Elise as she grew up.
And I wanted that.
I wept for that.
Pleading for God to really provide in remarkable ways in my future.
This break, silent reflection and each thought with each passing day grows in intensity and makes me realize that Elise is the most beautiful wonderful gift and best thing that God could give to me. I don’t deserve her in so many respects.
So I just wanted to mainly say to those who were a part of Elise’s spiritual formation growing up. You have given me a most wonderful gift in who she has grown up to be and become. And sincerest praise to God and to him be the ultimate glory and praise through our lives joined together. May the two of us as we become one in 6months carry on the legacy that you have given and passed on into the character wisdom and grace that you gave to her and you so wonderful showcase.
-John G. Grinstead
