EMPTY
When there wasn't a small enough box to hold everything that I would bring into my marriage.
UNPREPARED
When, after having spent my first post-college year working a retail job, I moved to Norfolk because my future wife had a job there.
SMALL
When I saw in myself none of the things that I believed a husband should have: money, a successful career, or at least the prospect of having one or the other. A husband, above all, should provide for his family.
AIMLESS
When I saw endless reminders that I couldn't aim to be successful when I didn't even know where my target was.
AGGRAVATED
When I took aim at every inch of an infinite horizon, but knew nothing would come of taking a shot.
BROODING
When given an abundance of time, doubt, and a fear-driven desire for success, I did what I had spent years doing: I turned inward. No one else would care as much as I did, and no one else had my perspective.
LONELY
When I retreated into my head, I was on my own.
COMFORTABLE
When I was on my own, at least I knew I was in good hands.
LOST
When I wasn't sure of my location on my own map, my map had no destinations, and my map had no roads.
RESOLUTE
When I made peace with not being able to find a target, I realized that I could build a target right where I was.
DILIGENT
When, rather than focusing on money, I started to list the things that families purchase when they have it.
AMAZED
When I saw past the shiny cars, fishing boats, perfect-looking families, and luxurious vacation photos on Facebook. Not everyone had those things, but everyone needs a place to live.
REFINED
When I saw that of those who had a place to live, not many seemed to feel at home.
INSPIRED
When I saw that money could buy any house, but only people can make it a home.
EXCITED
When it became clear that it wouldn't take much house to make a great home.
MOVED
When I realized that houses existed in my price range.
COURAGEOUS
When I believed in my skills enough to purchase the house that would allow me to provide for my future family.
VALIDATED
When, after years of work, that house became our home.
The size of your home is deceiving, it holds a limitless amount of love, just the appearance in the "after" picture is evidence that you have been successful without limit in your endeavor to create the perfect abode for your precious family.
ReplyDeleteThis won't even touch the eloquent writing above... I know I was/am blessed to be a part of your life, I got to at least be near you and Jodi for some of these events. At the time, it just seemed like you were the coolest adults I knew. Now I'm wanting to do the same things; find a direction in my life, provide for my family, find a home not just a house. I applaud all of the individual aspects you both brought and continue to bring to the table. While we aren't as involved in each other's lives as we used to be... You are both still now more than ever two of my biggest role models. Thank-you for your diligence and courage. It has not gone unnoticed in your lives or the lives of those around you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. No lack of eloquence there. Present tense--you will always have a special place in our hearts.
DeleteI very much admire you for caring for your family so deeply that you provided them with this house and made it better and better with your own two hands. It's a beautiful reminder to me what good our time and talent can do for my family and others. It's a beautiful house and a great testament to what a great family you all are!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah. Time multiplies talent--pace can be everyone's best friend. :-)
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