fröhliche weihnachten!
We had a happy Christmas on Thursday. We had three Christmases in one day: Immels, Fredericks, and “ours”. In that order. Gifts were exchanged, way too many cookies were eaten, and we had much-needed time with the people we love. What more could I ask for? Especially in a time when I know many people are missing their loved ones who they have lost.
Funnel and I got to exchange our gifts for each other late on Christmas night. He is so good to me, and so in-tune to who I am. He pays attention to the things I talk about during the year and suprises me with them at Christmas.
Here is an example: At Akai Hana, our favorite sushi restaurant, they have these tiny blue bowls with little sea creatures painted on them to put your soy sauce in. I always talk about how cute they are and I wish I knew where I could buy some. This Christmas, he tried to find them for me and couldn’t, so he just went into the restaurant and they were willing to sell him a set of their bowls. I was so surpised when I opened them. Not only are they adorable, but now I gave a momento from the many nights we went there for dinner. He is so thoughtful.
You know, I’ve been reflecting on marriage these last couple of weeks. Before I got married, someone told me, “Marriage is a mirror” and this has made more sense to me as time goes on. Marriage brings you face to face with all the good and bad things inside you because you realize every decision, every word and every attitude can either lift up or wound the person you love.
Sinfulness, selfishness and weaknesses that I slid by with when I was younger, don’t just set me back, but they now directly affect my partner. The worst feeling in the world is when I hurt the one I love.
I am incredibly humbled at the grace and forgiveness shown to me by Funnel, and he is certainly a beautiful reflection of the One who authored grace and forgiveness. How incredible are the words “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you”. Those words heal.
“Where you go, I will go.
Where you live, I will live.
Where you die, I will die.”
If the weather holds out, I think tonight Funnel and I are headed to ZooLights – my absolute favorite Christmas activity in Columbus. Ice skating, hot chocolate, manatees. It’s the best!
December 28th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Would you say that “thoughtful gifts” is your love language? Or does your love language vary depending upon the day?
(I’m sure you’re familiar with the five love languages by now. Anyone who’s ANYONE knows what they are.)
December 28th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
That is such a sweet gift,Merry Christmas and I’m glad yours was so nice.
I’m already a bit freaked out by the relationship mirror, it’ll be a bit scary when marriage eventually intensifies the refelction, huh?
December 29th, 2008 at 11:21 am
amen on the marriage revelations… don’t i know it! my husband and i DAILY realize how ridiculously fallen and broken we are, simply by co-existing. one negative comment holds so much weight now; learning that i truly am accountable for the things i do and say has all kinds of impact when they affect the one i love dearest (and not just me).
i am thankful to God for my marriage. iron is definitely sharpening iron in this match-up!
December 30th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Marriage is a lot of work but you get what you put in! Brent and I have been trying to be more aware of what each other needs. Maybe I need a hand with dishes and maybe he needs to just cuddle on the couch and working on making those things happen.
Those bowls are adorable! What did you get Funnel?
December 31st, 2008 at 6:36 am
Very insightful post Jen. It’s so true! Dan and I are still a “work in progress” – but it’s great being in that progress together. Hey! Danielle and I were at Pier One yesterday, and I saw some beautiful bowls/square plates, etc. on clearance that would coordinate with your little bowls so beautifully! (that was a sweet gift). It’s funny…we used to shop at Pier One WAY back when Dan and I were in college as we dreamed about setting up our house together. : ) good memories.
January 1st, 2009 at 2:57 pm
@ Sarah: I totally think that my love language depends on the day. Funnel and I were trying to figure out our languages a couple of years ago, and it was just too hard. I appreciate all of the different ones for different things. I need to take one of those online quizzes and see if it can help me determine mine.
@ Kaitliyn: Merry Christmas to you too. I definitly got a taste of the “mirror” before marriage, but now it is definitly there and really challenging sometimes, but worth it.
@ Kacie: I love the iron-sharpening-iron verse. It’s definitly going on here as well.
@ Katie: It’s so encouragint to hear that other couples are really learning and growing too.
I got Funnel a game called “Conquest of the Empire” that he had when he was a little boy, a gift card to get Pumas, Arrested Development on DVD, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (the book not the movie), an LOLcatz book (haha) and a video game he had been wanting. Besides the dishes, he got me my favorite perfume, a Japanese tea set, a Nintendo DS with games, and 2 really cool posters for our living room.
— jen
January 5th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I really love that manatees made the Christmas list. As they rightly should!