Welcome to Suburbia, just off Main Street, USA. A fresh coat of paint and some renovations may be in order. The floors creak and the doors draft. But the smell of fresh baked cookies wafts from the open windows. Giggles can be heard through the thinning walls. Old, tall trees shade the soft, green grass. The gathering place of the neighborhood, where pleasantries are exchanged and laughter is commonplace. Kids wrestling in the front yard with grass-stained knees and smiling faces. Screen doors slamming, leaving dirty shoes prints to and from the pantry; refrigerator door ajar.
It’s more than brick and mortar. It’s the hub of our family unit, where our roots are firmly planted and all our dreams begin. This is where we hold hands and pray together. Where little boys have grown into strapping young men. Where long, strong hugs fight to stave off the world’s interference. Where we ponder our true purpose and build each other up. Where we celebrate life’s milestones and mourn life’s harsh realities. Where encouraging words are spoken, trust is garnered, and hearts are filled.
Love lives here.
We may not look like much. Average. Everyday. Dime-a-dozen. Middle-class. Middle-aged. But we are more than we appear. And love lives here!
We are hard-working, fun-loving, and adventure-seeking. We are casual, dependable, and sometimes predictable. We are parents of teenagers, friends and lovers to each other. We laugh, cry, plan, praise, and discipline together. Our boys express their frustration at how often we discuss, negotiate and compromise; inevitably ending up on the same page. Our hearts are entwined; two as one. We can be found exchanging quick, knowing glances full of gratitude, tender, unapologetic kisses, and powerful embraces meant to erase a day’s turmoil.
It’s in the intentional and purposeful ways we connect; preparing special meals, leaving romantic notes in unsuspecting places, delivering flowers for no reason. It’s the encouragement and support for each other’s goals and working together to make those dreams come true. It’s showing respect through honor, reverence, and servitude. It’s the example we see in the unions of those we hold most dear, and the one we are setting for our young men to follow.
Love lives here.
I may not look like much. A wrinkle starting here and there. Hair too thin. Hips too thick. But, I am a child of God. And love lives here!
He gave me empathy to take on the emotions of others; the ability to feel deeply and completely. He granted me an eye for detail; a gift to see beauty in what others find mundane. He imparted strength and faith to overcome adversity and exploit opportunity. He shows me grace, forgiveness, and mercy every minute of every day.
Because of Him, love lives here.
In the chaos and uncertainty. In the all-too-quiet wee hours of the morning. As the sun rises to mark a new beginning and as it sets after a full day’s adventures. Where smiles linger and laughter echoes. Where memories etch unbreakable bonds on our hearts. In all the nooks and crannies. Around every corner. In all the white space.
Love lives here.
Find it. See it. Feel it. Know it. Share it.