Love and Marriage!

As I was in Eagle, Idaho last weekend I was able to spend a few quick hours with some of the most incredible people in the world.  Ya, the kind of people you would drive four hours out of your way just to get to hang out with for a little bit.  Needless to say, my few hours with Becka, Maren, and the surprise guests Abbey and Marla were refreshing to my soul.  Being reminded of community and the love that others can have for people, made me wish I didn't have to return to Germany.   

However something more than these women's obvious love for others was a moment that will be remembered forever.  Of course, the topic of marriage came up, and Abbey was asking me about my relationship with Drew.  We had had some conversations before about where I used to be at with marriage, and although I have not talked with her for over a year she was getting tears in her eyes.  (Maybe she was just tired, and was getting watery eyes.)

Her reaction to Drew and I's redeemed relationship was shocking to me at first.  (Good thing I had the next twelve hours in a car alone to think about it.)  After thinking through the conversation, I began to learn something about marriage, which will probably happen a lot in the coming years.  My relationship with Drew is not only a blessing to me, but also to people around us.  This is what God wants us to know about marriage, and loving someone.  Through our love for each other, we are able to show love to others.  Although I don't truly understand this relationship of marriage...I know that this is the same way that God shows us love.  He loves others unconditionally so that we can see how others should be loved.  

Abbey, thank you for reminding me that this relationship is never just about me, nor is it about only Drew.  The love people share for each other is a blessing to those surrounding them, which I also saw in Josh and Bethany's relationship this weekend at their wedding in Idaho.  So many people are blessed by their love for each other.