Today happened like every other early morning travel day. My alarm went off, I snoozed. My second alarm went off, scared me and I snoozed. Murphy, my dog nudged me telling me to stop oversleeping. My snooze alarm went off, I finally rolled out of bed and almost freaked out because I had slept so long. I rushed to the shower and while the water warmed up, I pulled my suitcase out and gathered my items to be packed.

All was normal. My sweet husband slept like a baby. Never moving and even though I am the loudest when I am trying to be quiet, he didn’t stir at all.

I zipped my bags, and rolled to the kitchen. Made my coffee and still no movement. I had a choice…. 1- do I kiss him and definitely wake the man struggling to sleep good? 2- do I keep the quiet exit going and let him rest to his fullness? I chose #2.

Then the next series of choices began. He never lets me leave anymore for my flights without walking me to the car and making sure I completely know how loved and appreciated I am. But he didn’t today. He didn’t set his alarm. He didn’t make me a priority. Or the appearance of a priority. He chose to sleep – well, His body chose to sleep. The thoughts began to bombard me – does he not love me anymore? Am I no longer valued and appreciated? Am I making this too big a deal? Was I in the wrong for not waking him and telling him I love him? Was I going to let this ruin my day? When he finally woke and realized my departure, would I respond or choose to ignore him? After about ten minutes of driving, I heard the quiet Voice.

“Every failure from others is another chance to show grace,” said the Unseen God.

On this day, I heard the Voice and obeyed. I thanked the Lord for a man who 99% of the time walks me to my car and welcomes me home in the driveway. I thanked the Lord for a man who, even though he makes mistakes, is learning the art of genuine apologies and 1 Corinthian 13 love. I thanked the Lord for the man willing to entertain all of my wild dreams and multiple personalities. Today, I chose grace. Today, I chose joy and peace. Today, I chose life.

Our 21 years of togetherness have been nothing short of eventful, dramatic, loud and chaotic. They have been full of many tears and loss. They have been full of trips to many countries and many cultures. These years are us creating a melodramatic comedy on attempting to raise some of the most strong-willed children ever to enter the world. These years are packed full of intense moments and belly laughs. Twenty-one years ago today, I said yes to dating a skinny blue-eyed fella, who had no clue on how to manage this fiery-eyed lady.

I have officially been with you, Clif, longer than I haven’t. I am thankful I said yes to “being ready” to date you 21 years ago. And I am thankful I chose to show grace and life today. I love you!