The First (Sanctifying) Year.

            Our first anniversary was March 15, 2015. My, oh my, what wonderful adventures we have had this year! Matt and I have moved a total of 3 times with 3 extra little stops along the way. We are so grateful for all of the hospitality we have been shown this year.

Hospitality is such a great gift to have, and for those that hospitality does not come easily it is still a very good thing. This year I realized that no matter how much you can give it is all worth it. If you have a home that you are willing to let a couple stay in when you are out of the country or if you have some people over for dinner on a Friday night, hospitality warms the heart of the giver and those who receive it. We are called to be hospitable people, and this is something I vow to work on in this second year of marriage. Sure, our house (when we have one) will not always be spotless, but our house will be a home that is full of people – friends, family, neighbors, lost or saved.

This year has also been a growing time for us as a couple. Of course, we have our little Esther now, and she could not be any more of a blessing to us! God knows the exact timing for everything, and he knew we needed Esther for added sanctification in our first year of marriage. Let’s be real – babies are a lot of work, yet they are the biggest blessing one could ever receive! Esther teaches us to be selfless, patient, and kind. We definitely do not have all of these things down, but I am so glad we have a sweet little one to teach, love, and point to Jesus through our imperfect lives.

In all of these things we must keep looking to Christ. Priorities are tough to keep straight with a little one. We know there is a season for everything, but we are always called to serve the Lord. Maybe you have a baby who needs your constant attention, maybe you are over seventy and have free time, maybe you are a mother whose children are all grown up, or maybe you are still in college. Serving the Lord looks different for every person. Yet, in all circumstances we are called to give thanks, but how are we to do this unless we have a joyful heart?

I recently realized how parched my spirit was. When a new baby arrives there are so many things that take your focus off of Christ, but now I see His sovereignty more clearly. We need Christ in every aspect of our lives. There is nothing we can do apart from Him. He is the vine, and we are the branches. Of course I would lack wisdom, understanding, patience, joy, etc. if I am not abiding in Him. Now we make it a priority to get in the Word daily, whether I am reading a chapter to Esther or studying on my own, every bit of truth proclaimed is good for the soul.

We have been married for one year. We are still two broken sinners made whole, not by each other but, by the blood of the Lamb. We must seek Him in this next year and every one thereafter. Our God is good. Look to Christ in every aspect of your life. How can you serve Him today? Remember to keep giving thanks with a joyful heart! Every little thing that bothers you will seem insignificant in light of all that God has done on our behalf. Praise the Lord for His mercies that are new each morning!

“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18