7 years ago...

7 years ago from today was exactly 1 week before our wedding. As our anniversary draws nearer (sep 3rd!!), I've found myself reflecting a lot about our engagement, wedding, beginning of our marriage, etc. I've also been reflecting a lot about how some things have changed so much while other things have stayed so much the same... from 7 years ago to today.

7 years ago... I was practicing my vows over and over ALL day long.
Today... Jasper and I practice his vowels over and over ALL day long.

7 years ago, Andrew and I would stay up into the wee hours of the morning, talking and dreaming about our future together.
Today, if it's the wee  hours of the morning, we'd better be dreaming.

7 years ago, the Meades were a family of 5, and the Westons were a family of 7.
Today, the Meades are a family of 8, and the Westons are a family of 16.

7 years ago, Andrew and I would talk for about 100 minutes each night after our day at work.
Today, Andrew and I send about 100 texts back and forth during our day at work.

7 years ago, Andrew was an Accountant and I was in full-time ministry- hanging out with, playing sports with, and trying to teach the love of Jesus to the youth group at Cornerstone Alliance.
Today, Andrew is a Senior Accountant and I'm in full-time ministry- hanging out with, playing ball with, and trying to teach the love of Jesus to Jasper.

7 years ago, I wasn't too aware of or concerned with my sin.
Today, by the grace of God, I'm much more aware of my sin and my dependence on Him.

7 years ago, I was extremely preoccupied with a big, white, puffy dress.
Today, I sometimes feel big, white, and puffy.

7 years ago, I ran miles and miles every day.
Today, I chase a toddler miles and miles every day.

7 years ago, when Andrew and I talked on the phone, it was only on land lines.
Today, we haven't had a land line in over 4 years.

7 years ago, I thought Andrew was the greatest man alive and I was the luckiest girl in the world.
Today, I think Andrew is the greatest man alive and I'm the luckiest girl in the world. Some things never change.

7 years ago, I was blessed with many bridal showers.
Today, i'm blessed if I can squeeze a shower into my day.

7 years ago, we didn't know what challenges we would face in our marriage or quite how we would handle them.
Today, we know that challenges will always come, but God is always good and deserves our praise. No matter what.

7 years ago, I chuckled at Andrew's corny jokes.
Today, I belly-laugh at Andrew's corny jokes.

7 years ago, we held hands all the time.
Today, we hold hands all the time.

7 years ago, I thought Andrew was a good man who loved God and others and always honored his word.
Today, I know Andrew is a good man who loves God and others and always honors his word.

7 years ago, I dreaded cooking every. single. meal. for my husband and (future) kids.
Today, I love cooking and delight in making new recipes for my family to enjoy.

7 years ago, I had never made a grocery list.
Today, I make my grocery list according to chronological order of how the store is laid out, I put the quantity next to the item with how much that item should end up costing, and i have the grand total listed at the bottom of my list.

7 years ago, we were greatly looking forward to an exciting honeymoon.
Today, we greatly look forward to a quiet evening at home.

7 years ago, I was trying to imagine what life would be like with Andrew at my side every single day.
Today, I can't imagine what life would be like without Andrew at my side every single day.

As I reflect over the past 7 years of marriage, 3 things are undeniably clear:

#1 God is so good.

#2 Andrew always has been and always will be my leader, my lover, my better half, and my best friend.

#3 I'm blessed beyond belief.