I have not yet come down from the happy cloud I’ve been on this last day and a half. Very tired, very content.
Haven’t had time to write anything much so I’ve just filled out my speech notes to pop here… Weeks ago Justin was asked what was his most cherished possession.
He answered earnestly and wisely that while she was not his possession, he had to say – Lauren.
Like Justin, she has never been our possession. She was prayed for, granted and given, entrusted on loan for a season.
We have thanked God for her more times than possible to count. She has been an example and friend to each and every member of our home.
Years ago I prayed for a man who would ‘deserve her’.
She is a mix of innocence and wisdom, full of warmth, love, loyalty. A treasure who could only be trusted to someone who could see these things.
One day Lauren sat down and told me about ”a guy I’d like to meet”. They’d spoken of books and music through common friends on Facebook.
They did meet and became firm friends.
All people are quirky— it is a gift to find someone whose quirks match or complement yours—or who even just appreciates your own.
When he took her to a Gilbert and Sullivan opera I knew… and then there was the night he read her Pride and Prejudice over the phone in English accent.
And my confidence grew.
In life, word, action and attitude Justin has won our love, trust and respect. In his own right, but also as a person who sees Lauren as we do. Who not only sees and loves her quirks and character, but who matches them in so many ways.
When Lauren was born we lived in a lovely little house in Kenwick where at sunset, the light came in through the apricot curtains giving a golden light. I used to pop her in a swing in the window and when I think of her babyhood/toddlerhood I think of them as “golden days”. Partly because of the light, and partly because she was the fulfilment of my lifelong longing for babies.
It was in that time I found a verse I cut and framed…
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“Ride softly and surely through the years my daughter
For I am in no hurry to see this tender childhood pass
Nor do I want unsympathetic time to hear your footsteps fall
too soon into the future
Travel safely sweet one holding tight to your innocent dreams
Wherever they take you.”
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Lauren’s life from a parenting perspective has been seamless. But the loveliness of her days has made me want to hold tight to each phase being resistant/reluctant of the future.
Today I have no wrench and no hesitation… There is nothing but joy and gratitude in my heart.
We bless you both in full confidence that you each are God’s provision to each other.
May you follow Him all of your days.
May others see the light of His life in you.
May you know the joy of His blessing.