Marbles, marriage, and Gods grace !

It was in the early 60's,  I was playing on the playground behind a 2 room school house.  I remember the day well, because it was my birthday.  I was turning 7 years old.  It was a cool but sunny day in March.

A cute little boy walked up to me that morning. We had been playing marbles.   Everyone carried their drawstring bags filled with colorful marbles.  Those were proud moments as we challenged one another to marble games.

I looked up and this little boy stood holding his hand out.  He handed me 7 of his bright and shiny marbles.  Representing my turning 7 that day.  I noticed in his hand he only had 5 left.  He wished me a happy birthday.  

I remember taking the marbles and slipping then into my little drawstring bag. I think I was taken back, but my 7 year old marble loving self was happy to have a new friend.  

He gave me more than half of what he had. 

That afternoon I told my mom that a little boy on the playground had given me 7 marbles for my birthday.  I told her that he liked me,  In fact I said I think he's in love with me.  I thought my Mom was going to die on the spot.  All she could say was "oh my goodness it's already begun."  

I was 7. 

Yes it had begun, this little boy who shared his 7 marbles with me, would become my husband. 

He would pursue that little blonde haired girl for the next 12 years.  She finally said yes.  She wasn't so quick to see a future but he sure did.  He never stopped pursing her.  

He still pursues me today.

We have been married now 39 years.  I'm thankful for a man who never stops loving me.  

I think a lot about love that pursues.  

Altho we have had our share of struggles, mistakes, failures, arguments, pain and loss.  Love wins. Grace wins. 

I realize when I have no answers to the broken things in our lives.  God speaks and says "choose love."   Love always wins.  He conquers with a love that knows no boundaries.  

I'm still learning a lot today.  Altho I get it wrong many times.  Grace has become our landing place. 

I don't want to miss those holy moments.  

It's often messy and complicated.  Often answers don't come. Understanding is sometimes far away.  

But I've learned a few things along the way.  That is, when I choose grace mingled with love, we both win. 

Marbles brought us together.   Grace continues to do it's work.  While love covers the rest.  

July 31st 1976 

March 23rd 1964