Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Counting By 5's
Today, May 17, is a very significant, celebratory--even holy day. Nikki and I have been married 25 years today. Sounds like a long time--but hasn’t seemed it. Sometimes, I find it hard to believe I am doing what I do, living where I live, experiencing life as I do. I graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas Friday night, May 16, then drove to Lindale, Texas. The next morning had a brunch and rehearsal in Lindale, then we were married at 2pm in the afternoon. It was fast--and it has remained fast. I see no end of that in sight. 20 years ago, Nikki and I started NorthWood. 30 years ago, I asked her to marry me. We’ve had an awesome journey.
I remember the first time she got on a plane. She flew with me to Chicago for a meeting. I hadn’t been flying much at that point. We went through a bad storm and the turbulence was incredible. I acted like it was normal – even though it wasn’t! Now, she flies around the world without me at times--pity the customs agent who tries to go through her purse!!!!
I remember our first argument – 1am, the night of our wedding – driving in San Antonio trying to find the hotel. My first encounter with manhood – refusing to stop to get directions as to where we were going – the stars would suffice! But they didn’t!
I remember my first stupid act. As a joke, I poured ice water on Nikki in bed to wake her up. It was very, very stupid, and I paid very, very dearly. I haven’t done that again.
I remember the birth of Ben & Jill. I wept both times. The beauty of emerging life-- how can that ever be described. The responsibility of a little bundle of flesh that is so incredibly dependent on you for everything. Now, having to learn to let go--a part of my life that I enjoyed more than any other time.
I remember when I said "I do." It wasn’t at the ceremony--but 5 years later after we’d had a session of "creative communication." I wanted to end it--so did Nikki--it wouldn’t be the last time for either of us--but it was the moment we said "for better or worse." Easy to say "yes" with romance – harder to say "yes" with life. That’s when we moved from romance to love.
I remember when we moved to start our church 20 years ago. She encouraged me--a huge risk, no big deal for me--but for her? I’m the risk-taker teetering on a wire. She’s the careful, count the cost. I once asked her, "How can you handle the risk I take?" Her response, "I love watching you get out on the edge!" My response, "Yeah, but if I fall you fall with me--don’t you get that?" Her response, "Yeah, but I’ve never seen you fall!"
I remember the first time I went to a dangerous part of the world. She encouraged me--was it the life insurance? No--it’s what makes us who we are.
I don’t know if we’ll make it to 50 or not. I may or she may die before then, but if we can keep the same sense of adventure, risk, curiosity, exploration, and worship of God – however long we’ve got – it’ll be good – I love you Nikki and will always be grateful to you.
I remember the first time she got on a plane. She flew with me to Chicago for a meeting. I hadn’t been flying much at that point. We went through a bad storm and the turbulence was incredible. I acted like it was normal – even though it wasn’t! Now, she flies around the world without me at times--pity the customs agent who tries to go through her purse!!!!
I remember our first argument – 1am, the night of our wedding – driving in San Antonio trying to find the hotel. My first encounter with manhood – refusing to stop to get directions as to where we were going – the stars would suffice! But they didn’t!
I remember my first stupid act. As a joke, I poured ice water on Nikki in bed to wake her up. It was very, very stupid, and I paid very, very dearly. I haven’t done that again.
I remember the birth of Ben & Jill. I wept both times. The beauty of emerging life-- how can that ever be described. The responsibility of a little bundle of flesh that is so incredibly dependent on you for everything. Now, having to learn to let go--a part of my life that I enjoyed more than any other time.
I remember when I said "I do." It wasn’t at the ceremony--but 5 years later after we’d had a session of "creative communication." I wanted to end it--so did Nikki--it wouldn’t be the last time for either of us--but it was the moment we said "for better or worse." Easy to say "yes" with romance – harder to say "yes" with life. That’s when we moved from romance to love.
I remember when we moved to start our church 20 years ago. She encouraged me--a huge risk, no big deal for me--but for her? I’m the risk-taker teetering on a wire. She’s the careful, count the cost. I once asked her, "How can you handle the risk I take?" Her response, "I love watching you get out on the edge!" My response, "Yeah, but if I fall you fall with me--don’t you get that?" Her response, "Yeah, but I’ve never seen you fall!"
I remember the first time I went to a dangerous part of the world. She encouraged me--was it the life insurance? No--it’s what makes us who we are.
I don’t know if we’ll make it to 50 or not. I may or she may die before then, but if we can keep the same sense of adventure, risk, curiosity, exploration, and worship of God – however long we’ve got – it’ll be good – I love you Nikki and will always be grateful to you.
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