To wrap up the trail of hearts I posted all week, I thought it appropriate to share a {heart} story. We don't usually exchange roses, chocolate or cards. Rather we reminisce of stories that don't cost a dime, but are priceless...
The year was 2000.
A meteor shower was scheduled for that night and we wanted a front row seat. Against the backdrop of a dark and starry night, we sat covered with blankets on the reclining seats in my parents backyard overlooking a canyon. I laugh at the memory of positioning our recliners in opposite directions. We were going to spend this night as one audience, but each of us would view a different stage. We didn't want to miss anything.
As the curtains of heaven were pulled back and the stars danced to a melody we couldn't hear, we burst out in uncontrollable laughter.
"Wow!!! Did you see that one?!"
"No! But look at that one!"
"Ooooh, look at that star!"
"Darn!!! I missed it!"
"Look!"
"Shoot! Missed that one, too!"
We laughed; mostly at ourselves, each wanting the other to see the radiant glory of the shooting stars in our respective views. However, that was impossible! Our gaze could only reach so far. I remember the disappointment that came with not being able to see from his view. However, as we spent the rest of that evening oohing and ahhing at this awesome shower of wonder, I knew.
I knew I could do life with this person.
Who else could match my silliness? Who else could compete with my spazzy, scatter-brained nature? Who else could enjoy the things others roll their eyes at? Who else could laugh at himself and carry on?
There was no one else.
Noel was the only one.
My love for him was realized under that one perfect night sky.
When speaking to Ezekiel, God said:
"I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing." (Ezekiel 34:26)
Noel was indeed a blessing from the Almighty God. The One who created the heavens and earth. The One who created love and romance.
The year is 2010.
Throughout the years, our recliners have remained in the same position as that night on the patio of my parent's backyard. Facing opposite directions, experiencing different views of life. We still feel that disappointment of missing out on the other's experience.
However, today, our recliners are side by side. We sit in the audience, watching life's scenes unfold on center stage. Together, we bear each other's burdens and experience the same joys. We share in the challenges and strive for the same goals.
Most importantly we have begun to marvel at the shower of blessings God is bestowing on us. Most of which are unseen by anyone other than Noel and I...just like that night we were alone in the wee hours of the morning under the sky.
