Since the wonderful March 15, 2014, we have experienced how fun and difficult being married is, but we would have it no other way. If it were easy, we would not be relying on Him for our strength, and if we did not need Him, our marriage would not be broadcasting the Good News. We are realizing the reality that “Truth without love ruins oneness, and love without truth gives the illusion of unity but actually stops the journey and the growth. The solution is grace.” (The Meaning of Marriage, page 163)."
It is by grace we are saved, and we are to use our life for His glory. Since marriage is meant to bring others to the Son by providing a visual for the Good News, and since He has shown such perfect love toward imperfect people, it is our job to use our grace-given life to bring others to Him. That is especially true in marriage, and we are thankful to have the opportunity to do that. Our marriage has been an adventure: hilarious moments, late-night conversations, church visits, new friendships, coffee experiments, tree-climbing, afternoon jogs, morning yoga, and new town exploration. Of course there have also been some frustrations, difficult decisions, and the challenge of loving each other selflessly, but it is definitely worth it!
We both work at a nonprofit organization called EAT South, so we often get to work together. Sara works in the education side of the organization and is preparing lesson plans that she will teach in pre-schools this fall. Jesse works at one of the gardens in Hampstead by helping in the garden and teaching lessons to the Montessori students who visit the garden. Every Wednesday is Harvest Day. On that day, we work with volunteers and other staff members to harvest the produce and get everything ready for the CSA members to pick their baskets up that afternoon. The CSA helps fund our programs and events, but our main goal is to encourage Montgomery people to live healthy lifestyles by teaching children and adults the importance of fresh, local food. We also get various opportunities to work together for Good Food Days (field trips), curb markets, and other fundraisers. We have been getting to know the other staff members, and we love each of them! Pray that we will constantly be growing closer with Him, that we will find like-minded friends to spend time with, and that we will allow Him to use us without us getting in His way.
This first year of marriage holds so many more new experiences. Our new jobs will continue to develop into a familiar atmosphere, and we will eventually have a Fellowship to call our home for the next year. After our year of service with EAT South, everything is a little uncertain, but we are praying about a few options and trusting in His perfect timing for next year. Whether that means serving Him overseas or continuing His calling in America, we look to Him for guidance and know that we will be furthering The Kingdom wherever we are.
“To fall in love truly is to fall in love not only with the person as they are, but also with the person you know that He is making, that He is turning them into... In other words, you get glimpses of future greatness [even though] you know the person is very flawed. Yet, you get excited about their future self as well as who they are now and you say ‘I want to be a part of getting you there (The Meaning of Marriage)."
Check out our little home so far:
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| Our bedroom |
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| Fresh produce from E.A.T. South and family |
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| Guest room |
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Come visit us in Montgomery! |
~Jesse & Sara
