Lucky Girl

You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut - Dr Seuss

Earlier this week while in the pool, I noticed two young teenage boys swimming in the lap lane having a fun, rough housing time.  They weren't rude nor disturbing anyone.  I imagined them being my sons of yester year.  Then a little time later, two young teen girls came in the pool area.  Both skinny, undeveloped girls but cute as could be with their pink highlighted hair.  They saw the boys and went scurrying back into the shower area.  The boys looked at each other and swam immediately to the pools edge.  The girls came back with t shirts over their swimsuits - a good thing because their suits were a little skimpy.  They spoke at the pools edge to the girls and the girls apparently told them they were getting in the Jacuzzi.  The boys again looked at each other with huge grins and popped out to the pool into the Jacuzzi. Later the 4 swam briefly and then separated as the boys left.

I was tickled when I saw the boys expressions when they saw the girls and when they got the invite to the Jacuzzi.  I wondered when Kevin and I lost that "wow" look for each other.

We have been through a lot of life in our 27 years together (25 years married).  We have moved 14 times.  Sometimes up the street and other times across the country.  We have loved in sickness and in health, richness and in poverty, and in the good times and the bad.  Our love has simmered almost unnoticeable and other times it boiled over to the point we made others sick because we were so "passionately" in love.  Kevin has taken his vows very seriously and I, well, I took them but admittedly wanted to flee a few times.  Life is so tough.  I don't know how people survive the stress, hurts, emotional pain, and physical losses in life without knowing Jesus.  If Kevin and I didn't pray and have relationships with Him, I am not sure where we would be in our marriage or in our relationships with our children or others.

Back to the "Wow" look.  A look really is an expression of the heart and/or mind.  These boys were excited and their smiles couldn't be contained.  I have decided to consider the things about Kevin that make me feel "Wow!" I think many of us who have been married a long while should consider this more.  Now I am talking about "Wow" not the things I appreciate about him like - his hard work, his help, and relationship with the boys.

Things that "Wow" me about Kevin:

• His gray hair in the sunlight.  The gray highlights make him look sophisticated and handsome.
• His eyes. They turn from a hazel brown to vibrant green when he is excited about something or intensely explaining one of his pleasures.
• The look of his hands.  They are strong and masculine but yet soft when he touches.
• When he pushes my hair away from my face and looks me in the eyes.
• When he takes my hand while walking in the mall.
• When we are in church and he looks down and kisses my forehead or cheek.
• When he cuddles up with me and endures lame chick flicks or old classic movies.
• His massages and back scratches.
• When he laughs out loud to the point of tears. (It has been awhile).
• The way he looks with his shirt sleeve rolled up, or when he wears a black T shirt.
• His mustache - all trimmed.  It tickles me.

Well, enough of that.  The point I am making to myself and maybe you is what Dr.Seuss' quote meant to me.  I need to open my eyes to the best things.  Life in this household is an emotional roller coaster.  We have our faith but emotionally we are tried and challenged often.  I need to consider being more attentive, more awake, and more available to rekindle my "Wow" for Kevin.  Every day I am given is a fresh start.  I want to look with new eyes and say to myself, "Wow! I am married to him.  I am one lucky woman!..blessed beyond measure."  We will see if I can do this.  Just writing the list made me tear up.

Have a great day friends.  I hope you find some "Wow" moments in your life - in your marriage.  Remember to open your eyes to the "best things."

The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the end of the skies

And the first time ever I kissed your mouth
I felt the earth move in my hand
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love

And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine
And I knew our joy would fill the earth
And last, till the end of time, my love

The first time ever I saw your face

Roberta Flack "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (click on this line to hear song)