Faithful

I didn’t understand a lot of things growing up (shocking, right?). I didn’t understand why my parents chose to move to Fargo; I couldn’t figure out how to love my brothers - especially the youngest one - to save my life. I didn’t understand the influence I seemed to have over my friends, or my brothers. My parents’ friendships and ministry often confused me, and I didn’t really know how to do life in community. But you know what one of the biggest things I didn’t understand was? I could not figure out my parents’ relationship with each other. I found it weird and confusing… and also secure and comforting. I mean, you oughta hear their story. It’s crazy… and a pretty good summation of our entire lives as a family, actually. God is good, and if you actually make an effort to listen, He really will lead you in the path of life.

As the years have gone by, I think I’ve begun to understand it a bit more. My parents truly are best friends. I don’t think I ever really believed them when they would say that when I was a kid. I mean, come on, who actually means that? My parents, I guess. And when they say they’re continually more in love with each other than before, it’s absolute truth. I guess I had a pretty skewed idea of what it meant to be in love, to be friends - thank you, society. As I’ve grown, I’ve begun to watch my parents more. I catch the looks they give each other. The way they do seemingly meaningless stuff like running errands together, and genuinely enjoy it. My parents’ love isn’t necessarily the most hopelessly romantic, or exuberantly adventurous… But you know what it is? It’s faithful. It’s one I’ve watched walk through heartache and trials and storms and confusion, and grow stronger through it all. Sure there were disagreements and struggles in our house. But one area we never, ever, feared was our parents’ marriage breaking apart. The thought never even crossed my mind. People sometimes tell me I know how to be a faithful friend - and I’m honored to be able to say my parents are the number one reason for that. They showed me how. And the other thing (well, one more among many) that stands out? Their sacrifice. They’ve given so much to walk with God in the plans He’s called them to - and SO much to raise my brothers and me. This last weekend, for the third time in five years, my parents celebrated their wedding anniversary, not by focusing on the two of them, but by having a high school graduation day for their kids. Robbie is officially done with high school, and once again my parents prioritized him (and our family) above themselves, without a word of complaint. Selflessness in action, my friends.

Anyhow. I had no other point in this post, other than to take a moment to honor two of my heroes.