My sweetest Jonny,
You’re currently at the church, helping with kid’s ministry and I’ve been home talking with Jesus.
He put you on my mind and I’ve spent the past hour praying for you. He gave me visions of you dancing, singing, laughing, and worshipping. Through this, He showed me that this is your true nature, your genuine state of being, your soul’s natural comfort. This is the you He so intentionally created. This is what you are meant to do: worship Him with everything you have.
I started to think about what Madi’s mom, Rhonda, told us both while we were in Romania. She said, “The beautiful marital dance of love between you and Jon is a blessing that splashes on all that are in your presence, even if there is a room of people between you two! I closed my eyes and I could hear your music of love between you! It has a heavenly tone- beyond anything of the natural world! It was a blessing to behold and He receives the glory of your love for one another! I have been blessed so deeply by you both.”
My eyes were filled with tears as I listened to her words and realized that the music she was referring to wasn’t anything we were trying to do ourselves- it’s the Holy Spirit and I know what she had told us was true because this kind of melody love that flows between us is all through Christ, and praise God because He does receive the glory!
I often think back to the start of our mission’s journey and think about all the fears we had that have now dissipated completely. Oh, how incredibly far we have come in just 8 short months of this adventure with the Lord. The most exciting part is that this is just the beginning- He has so many more adventures, journeys, and visions to show us through His amazing plan for our lives because we are not called to live a normal life.
Hearing so many people say that they see us leading and discipling together as we chase after Jesus is such confirmation that the Lord is going to continue to use our marriage for His will and glory. Because that’s what it’s always been about.
Thank you for leading me so well- in your accomplishments, your humbleness, your spiritual growth, your high moments and low moments, in your mistakes, your undeserving forgiveness, and most importantly your pursuit after God in everything you do.
Thank you for your willingness to step way out on the furthest and most seemingly unsure branch of faith to allow God the space He needed to move in our lives and mold us into who He wants us to be, together.
Being married on the World Race isn’t always easy, but it’s the wisest and most rewarding thing we’ve ever done for our marriage and I wouldn’t trade this growth for anything in the world.
My favorite part about doing this crazy thing with you is how much time we get to spend together. I don’t think we’ve spent more than a couple hours away from each other through this entire year and the fact that we want even more time together is such a joyous blessing and something that not many couples get to experience.
To serve the Lord every single day alongside you is an honor and a humbling gift. You have helped me grow and blossom in ways that I never imagined and have pushed me closer to God through your strong leadership and gentle wisdom.
Thank you for joining me for the best year of my entire life. I can’t imagine doing it without you and I know the Lord is giving us new and passionate dreams to pursue together for the Kingdom. I’m just squealing with excitement in anticipation to continue on this journey with you!
I will never forget that night in Siem Reap, Cambodia, when you boldly stepped forward, ready, willing, and agreeing to say, “yes” to absolutely anything God calls you to do. It takes a brave man to do that and an even braver man to uphold that promise when the time comes and I know you are the type of man who holds integrity and reliability to high standards and the Lord will abundantly bless your obedience to Him.
We have big things headed our way in the near future, but until then, continue to dance, and sing, and laugh, and worship Him where you are now. Today.
You’re not the same Jonny I married 4 years ago and I am perfectly thrilled about that because I have a front row seat to watch God grow you, for the rest of our lives.
I love you more than I did yesterday, and less than I will tomorrow.
Love,
Your best friend & the luckiest wife in the world, Kelso.
PS- Happy Anniversary JB!
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
