:: popcorn date with sweet toddler girl
:: our feet dangle over couch, hands in bowl, hearts knit together
:: she puts her hand on my shoulder and tells me I’m the best
:: my cup overflows

:: a teething 10-month-old
:: stealing extra cuddle time
:: warm smooches
:: cheek to cheek, lingering long
:: special baby-breath smell
:: singing soft melodies
:: humming sweet words
:: his body growing limp in my arms
:: a crooked smile peaks from behind his binky
:: I contemplate staying right there, in that moment, forever

:: a confident husband
:: hanging proudly on his arm, at a work event
:: hearing from everyone what a wonderful, hard-working man he is
:: I smile, I agree, I am thankful
:: sitting close together, his strong arm around my shoulder
:: we read God’s Word, we share, we sharpen one another, we cleave

:: we have an argument
:: hurtful words are lashed out
:: selfishness is winning and yielding its ugly head
:: we cool down
:: “I’m sorry” and “will you forgive me” are spoken with sincerity
:: hearts are mended, the balm of forgiveness is spread out

:: a good song, with lyrics that point my heart to Him
:: “Praise you, Jesus” rolls off my lips, Holy Spirit initiated
:: an encouraging phone call from an old friend
:: we chat about life and how good our God is
:: we cry
:: we share burdens
:: we live to be “real”
:: we breath a sigh of relief