december 23rd/24th – inside/out

Hi Sweetheart,

It’s just after dinner here, Saturday night, and I’ve decided to take you out on a date tonight…in my mind.  You’ll need to dress up a little and bring a coat, for I’m not exactly sure how late we will be out and the evening air can be quite cold.  I picture you in a cozy sweater, a pair of jeans and those cute brown loafers.  I love that combo on you.

We say “Bye” to everyone and exit the house.  It’s you and me, holding hands and remarking how clear the night sky is and how bright the stars are as we walk toward the truck.  We continue around the back of the truck to the passenger side and I unlock the door.  I slowly swing the door open and gently stop before you climb in.   Our eyes meet, we smile, and embrace with a long passionate kiss.  The joy of each other’s touch is overwhelming, the anticipation of the night together is all consuming.  We’ve waited for a night like this for so long, we’ve needed a night like this for even longer.

The drive to Old Venice seems shorter than I remember as I pray that the Lord will let this night last forever.  Once parked, we walk hand-in-hand in the cool evening air toward the restaurant.  Part of me is hoping that the restaurant is packed so that everyone can see me walk through the door with the most beautiful woman in the world on my arm.  As we approach the entrance the buzz of dinner conversation slowly grows, filling the night air.  The excitement of an evening out with you hits me again, I can’t hide the smile.  As we walk through the front door and eyes from various tables look up to greet us my smile grows larger.  For I am with the most amazing woman, and she is my wife.

They seat us at a small, intimate table in the corner.  And even though the restaurant has an aire of rush to it, for us time seems to stand still.  With all of the activity and distractions that place offers, our eyes are firmly set on each other.  The soft glow of the candles’ warm light on your face shows your beauty.  For this brief moment in time it is like you and I are the only people on the face of the earth.  We’re connected, deeply connected.

The silence is broken by the quick delivery of our appetizer, baked feta.  Both the bread and the feta are the perfect warmth, practically melting in our mouths.  This is one of those rare occasions when the dish far exceeded the expectation that had been built up by my anticipation.

Dinner and dessert come and go as we’ve been engrossed in conversation.  You’ve revealed your greatest joys and fears, plans and dreams, allowing me to be the lucky one to know your innermost thoughts.  By this time I can no longer contain the giddy smile of love that is written on my face.  I am in love with an amazing woman.

As we leave the restaurant, side by side, with my arm wrapped snugly around your waist, we’re greeted with a cool reminder that winter is here.  I quickly pull your body into mine.  We slowly stroll down the sidewalk to the truck.  Out of the corner of my eye, reflecting off the window, I see how others see us.  A young couple full of life and love.  I am again reminded of how truly blessed I am.  The evening could end right here and I would feel like I had been given the greatest gift.  Thank you.  But since this is my my mind and we don’t need to rush home, I have more planned.

Our next stop is the coffee house that used to be named “1018.”  Memories from when we were dating came flooding back as we step inside, and the aroma greets us like an old friend.  As we stand at the counter I can’t help but stare at the woman by my side.  In an instant I reflect on the journey that’s brought us to where we are now.  It’s strange how it feels like only yesterday when the two of us would pull up out front in your white Volvo and quickly run inside to get our coffee.  The sound of your voice saying, “What are you going to get?” brings me out of my thoughts and back to the here and now.  And because I was staring, you shyly smile and ask, “What?”  We both laugh as you put your arms around my waist and gently kiss my cheek.  Life is good.  We receive our coffees and make our way down the front steps.  Our next destination is Shelter Island.

My goal is to find a parking spot like the one we used to use, near the water with a spectacular view of downtown.  As we drive past the various boat shops.  We park right next to the water.  And just like years ago, it’s just you and me enjoying the quiet time and each other.  I reach over and cup your hand in mind.  We bow our head, close our eyes, and thank our Lord for the many blessings in our lives.  As we pray together I can feel the Lord knitting our hearts closer together and expanding out capacity to love.  The sound of your sweet voice praying brings tears to my eyes as my heart is overflowing with joy.  With you sitting close to me we being to envision what God has in store for out future.  And with prayerful hearts He faithfully starts to unfold His plan right before our eyes.  Where we will minister, to whome we will minister, and how are some of the prayer he begins to answer.  Our hearts are elated with the prospect of His hand directing our steps and guiding our lives.

As we start to head home we’re accompanied by and overwhelming sense of peace, His peace.  A peace that is a result of Christ’s sacrifice for us so long ago.  We are able to care because He cared, we are able to love because He loved, and we are able to have life eternal because He died.  Our children are fortunate to have a mother and father who want to serve Him.  A rich heritage will be theirs.  Thank you for agreeing to marry me and for your willingness to embark on this journey together.  His plan is unfolding so let’s hold on tight and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

I love you sweetgirl, Scott

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