22 Years Ago Today...

With the exception of the day I committed to following Jesus Christ, 22 years ago today marks the single most important day of my life.  I don't remember much about the weather.  And while I can name a few folks who were there, I don't really remember most of the crowd (no offense).

But I'll never forget the girl.

She came in from the back of the room.  I was waiting at the front, with my Dad on one side and Dr. Wooten on the other.  Having lost my contacts the night before (don't ask) and not wanting to wear my massively big glasses, I went without.  So - just confessing here - when the doors opened and everyone stood up and there were smiles and tears at this thing of beauty coming into the room, all I could see was a big, white, blurry blob.  However, being nearsighted has it's advantages, because the closer she got, the clearer she became.  I was stunned, overwhelmed... I could hardly breathe.

I still can hardly breathe sometimes.

She has stood by my side through some of the dumbest, most reckless, foolhardy, crazy decisions.  I've taken her on nutty ideas chasing impossible dreams.  She's let me dream big and helped me to pray hard.  She's taught me to be calm (er) and (more) patient.  She's been my best friend, soul mate, accountability partner, encourager and biggest fan.  She believed in me in my darkest moments and held me up when I could no longer stand.  She's prayed for me when I couldn't pray.  And I can't think of a better Mom anywhere.

We all joke about how we outmarried ourselves.  I assume we all believe that.

I certainly do.  The day Susan Payne became Susan Hughes - 22 years ago today - I won the lottery.  I hit the jackpot.  God granted me my greatest blessing and my most important life dream came true.  That's no joke.  And it's pretty much been that way ever since.

I sure am thankful to God on this day, and to Susan for 22 unbelievably great years that have made for one great journey.