Counting Our Anniversary Blessings

Tomorrow is my second wedding anniversary with manspouse.  Hard to believe that two years have flown by!  I thank God for the gift of getting to be married to my best, and craziest, friend.  And for the multitude of other gifts we've been given:

I think of friends like Libby and Diane, who, when they heard about Michael's car being shot at when he was doing some work up in northeast KC, came over that night with their significant others for moral support.  Oddly enough, this incident happened miles and miles from where we're living now, but last week I heard about a shooting at 119th and 69 hwy, which is a block away from where we used to live in the suburbs.  Crazy.  Which leads me to the next blessing...

I am also grateful for our current home in Kansas City, and our landlord, Darin (old seminary friend).  He's been a good friend and I'm glad there was an opening for us to live in this neighborhood.  The neighbors on this street have been more friendly to us than any other neighborhood I've lived in.  Like any place, it has its drawbacks, but the rhythm and energy of the city, as well as its opportunities for artists, are exactly my cup of tea...or coffee rather.  Waldo, Brookside, the Plaza, Westport, Crossroads, downtown, Power & Light, City Market, Columbus Park--I love them all!  There are SO many interesting people to meet and converse with, and fun things to do. When I think back to my college years and early twenties, I wonder why it took me so long to explore my own city. 

I think, too, of the many meals we've shared with family and friends the last two years:  the holidays with both families; the fiesta at our house with work colleagues; the outings to area restaurants and other meals with small group pals from church; the night we went to Thai Place because our electricity was out, and discovered the deliciously cheap small plates; the bacon wrapped date (and other) tapas at Avenues with everyone we could drag over there; the wedding rehearsal dinner with loved ones at Winstead's; the near-weekly pilgrimage to the little Korean restaurant in Waldo; the impromptu meals with friends like Libby and Roland, who let us shower at their duplex when our water was out--and then fed us; the family picnics in Independence with Genie's famous cooking; going to Chick-fil-a once a week to use up the 365 free sandwich coupons Michael won; and of course, the many meals Michael and I have prepared together or for each other.  Jesus is definitely known in the breaking of the bread.

Another one of the big things I'm thankful for in the past two years are various people who made time just to hang out and talk with us.  To share ideas about life, even if they were different, and to talk about dreams for the future.  To debate, on occasion, and to be authentic and honest (i.e., the "say what you mean and mean what you say" sort of folks).  To care about our life goals and allow us to care about yours.  It's easy to judge someone, or a couple, without actually communicating and being in relationship with them (or by just reading about their online status, ha!), but those of you who have journeyed with us through life and been mutually supportive are the best thing since sliced bread.  In fact, if we were down to our last slice of bread we would give it to you.

And, we saved the best for last.  Where would we be (literally), without our parents?  They have been so supportive and loving, during the good and the hard times.  That is such a great gift that I can't even begin to describe it.  P.s., Ask my mom about why she was mad at the pink fountain.  Friends, as I've mentioned, have also been a giant gift.  Those of you who have loved us and lived life with us these two years are worth your weight in gold.  Finally, we musn't forget our housemates, Comanche and Siri, in the list of gifts.  These two bundles of hilarity are a constant source of delight.  Good call with the dog invention, God.

Well, I could go on and on, but there's laundry that needs a good ironing.  Thanks to my mom, el Sumpter in Mongolia and Aimee Michelle for the early happy anniversary wishes!  We already started celebrating this weekend, with a fantastic meal at the Plaza, movie, and walk in Loose Park with the dogs, but since tomorrow is the date we'll probably continue the festivities.