Hearts Atwitter

Our life doesn’t allow much time for quiet meals at fancy restaurants. Maybe that’s why we found ourselves at 11 pm cooking sizzlers and chatting just like we were on a date. It’s these quiet times, when the kids are snuggled in like little cocoons, machines whirring silently and all is steady that we can catch our breath. A moment where we can look at each other and say, “hey, how are you?” And usually after sharing details about the day, we dream. We dream about ideas and goals, about God’s good hand and what that will mean in our lives. It’s how we’ve learned to get away. While standing in the kitchen.

I’m not sure Darryl is even aware it’s Valentine’s Day today and I’m okay with that. I don’t expect flowers or chocolate (although I have bought myself a box or two in the past). The truth is I’m more demanding than wanting that display of affection on the stamped “Love” day of the year (that’s just the icing on the cake). It’s the thousands of ordinary little things that build up through the days that makes my heart all atwitter. And they build up into a steady stream of declaration of “I love you!”

Like what?

Watching him lead devotions after supper with Evie all curled up on his lap.

Being the first to come and give a hug even when we’re still upset after a disagreement.

Filling up the tank of gas on the van for me (in freezing cold weather).

Loading up the kids into the pick-up and taking off for school, carrying their backpacks and straightening mittens.

Explaining how tools work to the kids.

Seeking opportunities for a “date” with me.

Listening to his fascinating trivia about the nature, geography, history and theology (and me fact checking on the sly to check his accuracy).

Taking spontaneous trips around the city and exploring new nooks and crannies.

Hearing “good-morning beautiful” when I know I look anything but that.

Telling me his ideas and dreams late into the night.

Witnessing to our neighbors and lending a helping hand.

These and a thousand more are part of the daily flowers I anticipate and love about my days with Darryl.