Bears all things

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

                                                ~1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a

11 days ladies and gentlemen!   Oh my goodness!!!

Well, I must admit that I had a bit of a melt down last week when I realized how much I had left to do in such a short amount of time, but my family came to the rescue.  We spent hours walking up and down the aisles of the local craft stores looking at candles, ribbon, vases, picture frames, and much, much more.  With their aid, I made great strides this weekend and now I have a renewed sense of joy and excitement for the big day!  They transformed the overwhelming To-Do list into an exciting adventure. 

With that being said, I learned a valuable lesson this week.  You see my dear Clint is currently in Notre Dame working on his masters degree and impressing the professors with his thoughtful theological reflections.  I am so very proud of him and excited to see him reaching his dreams, our dreams.  In the meanwhile, I am here in Southern California, alone.  However, this weekend I learned that even when Clint is gone, I am not, in fact, alone.  I am surrounded by a loving family and friends who are excited to help ease the burden.  Bearing each others’ burdens is love.  I have always avoided confessing my weaknesses to others partially out of pride and a sense of independence, but also from a desire to not weigh others down with my problems.  This weekend confirmed again that in admitting my limitations and asking for help, I am actually opening myself to receive love, and those who truly love me do not see it as an imposition at all.  In fact, they quite enjoy being needed and feeling like they have contributed to reaching my dream.  Of course, I am delighted that my love will be returning in 3 short days.  Yippee!!!

11 days until the wedding.  Wow!  I feel so very blessed that my dear Clint saw me amidst the crowd and is as overjoyed as me to go to the altar and spend our lives together.  I always dreamed of my wedding day, but I never imagined that it would ever be so close – less than 2 weeks away!  I still cannot believe it!  Oh my goodness!!!

Thank you for your prayers thus far, and please continue to remember us before the Father in the days ahead.  We so very much look forward to celebrating with you!!