I close my eyes as the crisp cool air fills my lungs and as my eyes open, I begin to scan the rolling mountains speckled with different colors of green and enveloped by the white fluffy clouds of Swaziland. In a moments time, that cool air is warmed and fills my lungs with saltiness. It is just days later that these same eyes are glancing across the beach as waves slowly blanket the shore and the coast is embellished with steep cliffs, here in South Africa. It is hard for me to believe that my eyes could see such landscapes, such places, such beauty. Almost too picturesque and better than a Van Gogh; I sit here… in awe. How are my eyes seeing such beauty? How did my feet manage to make it to these places, or better yet, my heart? How did I end up here and for that matter, why?
Of course I give full and complete credit to the planner of my life, but in and through that, he has enabled me to even more specifically be gracious in the thanks I have for the two people who not only "had" me but have chosen to "keep" me. My parents, just like any, had a choice and by keeping me I don't mean in a physical sense. You see, to be 'kept' means to be taught, guided, and disciplined. It means to be given grace and love. It means to be led by example of what a Christ follower is. It means to be prayed for diligently, daily, and intentionally. My parents have not only done all of these things, but they have surpassed them. One day when I am married, I hope to follow their example but until then, here is a blog in order to fully honor the life they have enabled me to have and chase after.
"Honor your Father and Mother"
I want it to be heard, read, and seen that I not only respect that of which you have done for me but that I honor you and I hope that this does just that, brings even the smallest bit of honor to you. I want to do it now. I don't want to wait until later on in my life because I want you to know now as well as others, that I acknowledge and appreciate all that has been done and sacrificed so that I could and can live the life that I live. I will begin with showing you the way you have both taught me to love and what this love, means to me.
Love is more than a feeling or emotion, it's a choice. It is not always easy and at times it is difficult but it is overcoming the rough patches, pushing through, and relentlessly chasing after the hope that love gives; my parents have shown me that marriage is just that. A healthy marriage is not about being happy 24/7 but it is about continuously choosing joy. It is not about always feeling loved but choosing love. This has impacted our family and especially my own life in more ways than I can imagine. There was a time when I myself was less than easy to love, a time when I walked away from my family and even more so, when my own selfishness was held higher than the well being of the ones who shared the same DNA as me. I know that during this time in my life, I did not give love to my family, they did not feel loved from me, and it was hard for them to give it to me as well, but looking back, I clearly see that although it was challenging, it was a choice they made and for that I am grateful. You see, that is love. Love is putting up with the grime, seeing past the mistakes, and pouring hope into the unknown. It is holding onto something even when it would be easier to give up on it and walk away. It is getting dirty and messy and hoping that one day that mess, will be beautiful. Love is in the 'doing' and the doing is constant. Although there are many things that my parents have taught me, this is the one thing that has impacted my life in the greatest of ways.
To the two people who have served me unselfishly and continuously. To the two people who have sacrificed daily and said abundant prayers for my well-being. To the very people who have exemplified what true love is and have not held back on giving it to me. To the man and woman who not just wanted to be, but "chose" to be great parents and have completely surpassed the worldly expectations of what that entails. To the people who led and continue to lead by example and who have lived a life worthy of their callings. To the two people who miss me in every sense of the meaning. To the two people who have made my heart full. I know these are just words and words really say so little, however, I want you to know that in this, there is action. There is action in my heart that has recognized what honor is and how to give it. I wish I could truly formulate sentences the gratitude I have for all that you have done and will continue to do for me in this life but there are not enough words for me to even begin to express my appreciation for all that has been done; instead, I want you to know just this, that I honor you.
Happy 29th Anniversary to Barry and Michele Scott. I can't wait until you guys make it to a quarter of a century or for that matter the 75th; I know if anyone can, it will be you guys.
I love you Silver Possum. I love you my little Hook.
So on and so forth. No elephant's in this room. Whatair – Over and out.
I love you around the world and back, literally.
No reservoir can hold it, no disappointment can stop it, and no impediment can contain it. It cant be waved off, put off, or shut down. It doesn't take no for an answer.
Love NEVER fails.
