Standing With You

When I look at this picture, so many memories come to mind.  Our wedding day was full of love, excitement, and joy.  I remember you standing by my side, squeezing my hand, as Mr. Precise announced we were Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lockhart Browning.  I was amazed that someone would stand with me, totally committed to love me forever.  And as I stood looking out over the church pews at the friends and family that came to share that day with us, I knew that this day was a blessing.

I remember the Sunday School teacher well.  Her name was Mrs. Thomas and she caught me and the other 6th grade girls by surprise that Sunday morning.  In her lesson, she told us that we should begin praying for our future husbands.  I remember the looks on the faces of the girls around me.  They were stunned, surprised, and mortified at the thought.  I agreed completely until a few days later when I remembered her words: "God has a perfect husband for you.  He needs your prayers to be the best man for you."  And so I did...I prayed for his salvation, I prayed he'd have parents to love him, I asked God to help him with homework, and to keep him safe. I prayed he would never leave me. I asked God to stay close to him and to lead him to me.  Off and on through the years, I'd remember her words again and I'd pray.  I prayed for Scott before I even knew him.

As I think about all the other times you've stood with me, I find myself emotional.  You've stood with me through funerals that I couldn't bear without you, through the words "I'm sorry, but I don't hear a heartbeat.  You've miscarried this baby."  You stood with me when the ultrasound showed baby A and baby B.  You stood with me when I held Bailey as he took his last breath.  You stood with me when I couldn't walk in that NICU alone.  You stood with me when I stayed in bed for months to get our third bundle of joy here safely.  You stood with me for every dance recital, every ball game, every music program and every single stomach virus.  You stood with me at my second college graduation.  You stood with me every single time.

And so, as we stand today looking back over the last 14 years, I am again reminded that my God hears and answers every prayer.  You are my answered prayer.  I am so thankful God made you perfectly mine.

Happy Anniversary.  I stand with you and wait for the blessings to come.

"Ask and it shall be given to you.  Seek and you will find.  Knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7