Date Nights with Danny

As I spent today doing my "everyday" things, I had it in the back of my mind that Danny and I were going out on our weekly date tonight. Somehow, it affects my day, just knowing. Sometimes, I feel pressured to get more done quickly, and after spending a day outside weeding, watering, watching the kids swim, or running errands in the July heat, I just don't feel fresh anymore, and I know that it will take me some time to "feel" presentable! (of course, Danny always assures me that I don't need to do all that- thank you very much dear).

Usually though, several times throughout the day, I stop and just anticipate the time I get to have with my husband, my best friend. I cannot wait for the great JOY of talking alone with him, looking at his handsome face across the dinner table as we share a glass of wine, and appreciating that we actually get to finish our sentences without interruption! I anticipate getting to walk slowly wherever we go, sometimes sipping coffee, holding his hand, and remembering again why we fell in love. These weekly dates are very bonding for our marriage, and revive and refresh our love for each other. As I said, it sometimes takes his leadership and encouragement for us to go out each week, but I am so grateful that he does. I need reminders that our marriage is the most important thing we can focus on, even above our children (though we love them dearly and could spend every waking moment focusing on them!) and also that it is GOD's plan to do so, not my husbands.

Recently, we went away overnight and this was waiting in our room on the bed as we arrived - a beautiful, single red rose.

We had been to this bed and breakfast one other time, several years ago.

Yep, this is the handsome face I was talking about, across the table...

This is the place we ate our delightful breakfast. Thank you, Danny, for all the years of dates, nights away, flowers, gifts, and all of your other romantic gestures. Thank you for pursuing me, even though we have been married so many years. Thank you for continuing to win my heart with your constant selfless, servants heart, and your ability to make me laugh!! I love you so very very much.