Our journey begins, you and I, on a lazy raft drifting down stream. We bask in the sun of our young new love–just you and I. Storms come and we huddle together to stay warm. You offer me your coat and I sport the umbrella. We are courageous and the torrent is as much amusing as it is romantic. We are making it in this stream of life!
Our circle grows to three. We get lost in the fun of what we created together. Sometimes messy, sometimes unprepared and chaotic but always lively. Our crew grows into many. We add a canoe to our raft to take them exploring, then a second canoe. The stream of life picks up. Rapids! Structure is needed so we can succeed at this rafting experience. We get serious about training and bedtime for little ones so we can still stargaze and remember when it was just you the captain and I, your first mate, your only mate.
Launching stage–our crew grows in size and ability. They are now diving off the raft into the water. Trying things we never attempted, sometimes wanting advice, sometimes not. Pretty soon they have kayaks built for one. They want to explore alone. Why are there so many mouths still to feed, if they are leaving? We are grateful they want to return home to share meals and their life experiences. Yet we miss our experienced paddlers when we get in a strong current.
You and I wave to each other on occasion from different canoes. We try to keep the hearts of all our sailors, young and old. Together is now something we work hard to find. We plan and scheme to get into a canoe alone, reminding us of how much in love we still really are. There you are, my handsome captain, father of all our hardy crew. We laugh and plan and play and splash as if we haven’t a care in the world. More times than not, we get away just to talk about what’s going on with our crew. We talk and think, argue and compromise, then pray and return refreshed, renewed. Our Admiral gives us orders and we succeed when we follow them.
Just about the time all the young ones are in bed and we think we’ve found a together moment for captain and I, in come our ruddy launchers. We miss them. They are home from all kinds of grand adventures. We light the tiki torch, make room on our mattress for them and visit until you and I cannot keep our eyes open any longer. We fall asleep hand in hand, often knowing more about our crew’s day than each other’s. But we trust we have forever together…ahead of us.
I’m a wife and mom--trying to walk in the steps of Jesus.
Would you like to walk together? 
This is amazing. As a parent of still only 1, I can still connect with this. And as an intrigued observer of a large family, this feels so so accurate. Beautifully written and captivating!
❤
Thank you, friends. It’s a crazy journey to follow the calling God puts us on, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love your sharing your heart and being so real. Hugs, Andrea
Bless you, sweet fried! You are a huge encouragement to me!
So Beautifully written. I have tears in my eyes. 🙂
William Nicholson says, *We read to know we are not alone.” Our soul knows well the value of a kindred heart.
I absolutely LOVE this! You are a beautiful and gifted writer. ❤
HUGS!
I am so thrilled to have discovered your blog! The poetic honest of being a mother, wife and walking in your faith are a place of peace and comfort. Very well written.
Thank you friend!
A beautiful story picture of married and family life. Having “launchers” and toddlers (and everything in-between) is complicated and stretching, and still wonderful.
I am personally so grateful for my Captain (such a very patient hubby) and our Faithful Admiral. If He goes with us, we shall arrive through the rapids and currents as more-than-conquers.
You would get It! May we go from strength to strength… always abounding in the love of God, as He provides the ability. ☺
Time with our Captain is oh so much deeper when together at the feet of our Admiral. Love this Melinda.
So true!
I shall evermore address him as “Cap’n Dave”. Has a nice ring to it, dontcha think? Blessings to you, Melinda. It’s going to be a great journey!
Thanks, Dan!