Happy Anniversary

Today is our three year anniversary. I know I lived 27 years before marrying Clay, and that those years molded and shaped who I am, but they almost seem like a distant memory, almost like life did not begin until him. We truly are "One Flesh", two halves of one whole. He is my home, my heart, my life.

Three years ago on this day, at this moment, I was arriving at the church, makeup and hair carefully done, to finish getting ready for what was, up to that point, the biggest and best day of my life. I was excited to begin life together, the mystery of marriage. I loved him that day, but that love now seems like a scratch on the surface of the love I have for him three short years later. Sometimes when I'm watching him and he doesn't even know it, my heart almost hurts with love for him. I love who God has made him--

I love his character and integrity and heart for the Lord,

I love seeing him read his Bible in the mornings,

I love that he loves strong, black coffee, hearty, imported beers, and rich, dark chocolate,

I love that he is naturally gifted at guitar/bass/banjo/mandolin playing and not just a wannabe,

I love his sense of humor, that he always cracks a joke at just the right time,

I love that he thinks Seinfeld is the funniest show ever,

I love that he appreciates, knows and plays sports, especially football, basketball, and baseball,

I love his facial expressions, especially those raised eyebrows,

I love his gifts of faith and encouragement,

I could go on and on. I know and love him more today than I could have ever known three years ago, and I expect to say the same thing as I wish him a Happy Anniversary three years from now.

How timely that our first child, Paul Clayton Conner, III, "Clayton", will be arriving almost right on time for this anniversary. Clay says I told him I wanted a good anniversary present, and that he did his best to make sure that happened. Unless Clayton surprises us (which seems highly unlikely at this point), I will be induced tomorrow morning around 6:30 a.m. I absolutely can't wait to see him, he who God has been creating in my womb for the last nine months. He is our very flesh, God's specific little man with his own personality, strengths and weaknesses, gifts and abilities, soul, looks, character, etc. He is who God has made him, through us. I hope he has the best parts of both of us.