This week, I had the chance to ponder something very beautiful.
Michael had come over for a mid-week visit. We ate dinner together and went to a Lenten penance service at the little church across the street.
When we returned, Michael helped me complete many chores and tasks throughout the house. But, as the evening wore on, he quickly grew tired and immediately announced that he needed to go to bed. He was feeling slightly sick, so I offered to take the blow-up bed instead so that he could have a peaceful night's rest on the real mattress in the bedroom.
Within minutes, he was sound asleep. I kissed him on his forehead, pulled the door closed, and sat on the floor in the hallway, just outside the bedroom, praying for us the evening Rosary that we usually do together.
As I sat there praying, pondering the fact that my future husband was on the other side of that closed door, I began to think of the journey of life that we would walk together, over all of its hilltops, through all its valleys, and through all its plains. We would cling together as we experienced life together. This was my life's partner, my companion on this journey of life.
And then I thought about the fact that, of all the people in this world (and of all the people who have ever lived or will ever live), I had been given the gift of being Michael's soul mate. Other than God Himself, I would be Michael's primary giver of love, his source of encouragement, and the one who will consistently nurture him with the sustenance of food.
The joy of this great responsibility overwhelmed me as I sat there, feeling little in the hallway, eagerly clutching my Rosary beads.
God had placed me in a position of great power, for I had been given the keys to Michael's earthly happiness and had been entrusted with the duty of getting him to Eternal Happiness in Heaven. This power is one that I will never abuse and will always treasure.
Thank you, Jesus, for continuing to prepare my heart, mind, and body for the sacrament of marriage with Michael. May I rise to every calling You give me.
