Run that ye may Obtain

Ever since I moved to Boulder six months ago I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of associating with a lot of like-minded people. Athletes, home-birthers, healthy eaters, recyclers, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, holistic healers, and other unique people with a lot of character. As I spend time with these people and grow to love and appreciate them for who they are its interesting to me how so many of them know each other. Even in a city of 100,000+ people, word (good and bad) gets around pretty fast.
In the majority of conversations I find myself in there are a lot of complimentary things shared about people I know. I’m not generally a big fan of negative “gossiping” because I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and assume the best of them. When I’m in a group of friends and the topic of discussion gravitates towards the negative character traits of another mutual acquaintance I try to either change the subject or say something nice or at least neutral about that person. I admit, I’m not always perfect at this and sometimes I catch myself listening intently and actually absorbing what I’m hearing.
A few days ago I found myself listening to someone’s opinion of the “crazy” character traits of a friend of mine and I seriously almost laughed out loud at the words I was hearing. This particular friend who was being picked apart is a friend whom I admire and aspire to be like in many ways, so to hear the exact traits I admire being shed in a negative light was somewhat ridiculous to me. I mentioned a few complimentary things about this person and then just let the conversation die. After the conversation ended and I went on with my day I started remembering many other recent conversations with friends where more friends and acquaintances were being critiqued and labeled as crazy and I suddenly had an “ah-ha” moment. If so many of my friends whom I love and admire are crazy, I no doubt must be crazy too!
Just as so many of my friends unique and genuine character traits are labeled as crazy by some others, I’m sure my character and individuality has been labeled as crazy by many others too. But to be completely honest with you, I am stoked, honored, and happy to be crazy. Because you know what? My craziness is what makes me, ME. If I lived in a way that I tip-toed around any unusual behavior and allowed what other people thought about me dictate my actions, I would not be living. If no one ever thought I was crazy it would probably mean that I am not developing individuality and exploring what it is that God gave me to become great. From now on every time I hear someone being labeled as crazy or unusual I’m going to listen carefully and take note because there is a very good chance that person is spectacular. To my other crazy friends and readers out there I say lets keep being crazy! Keep embracing and appreciating your own unique character and realize that it doesn’t matter what others may say about you, its vastly important to BE YOUR CRAZY SELF.
Here’s a genuinely crazy moment for you. We all have days like this:

Three pregnancies and births, six moves, 21 days of homeless camping and living out of our car, hundreds of poopy diaper changes, miles and miles of running together and supporting each other in races, thousands of road trip miles, tens of thousands of tears shed, a thousand MORE smiles shared, hundreds of thousands of dollars of business debt and subsequent payoff, hundreds of temper tantrums, millions of hugs, kisses and snuggles with kids, innumerable moments of pure gratitude, 3,285 days of waking up next to each other and I love him even more every day.

Its hard to believe that nine years have passed and we’ve almost spent a third of our lives together.  Back in March, 2002 after spending all of seven weeks getting to know each other, Aaron posed the question, “Do you know where this could go?” I smiled and in a moment of boldness and confidence replied something to the effect of, “Yeah, we could get married.”  Nine weeks later, there we were kneeling across the altar.  While I don’t believe four months from first acquaintance to marriage is right for everyone, I have no regrets and have enjoyed (nearly) every minute of it.  I’m not gonna lie, a great marriage doesn’t come without its struggles and set-backs but as we’ve seen those through, its been pretty darn amazing.

Nine years ago

I knew very soon after I met Aaron that I wanted to spend the rest of my life and eternity with him.  The same attributes that I fell in love with nine years ago are still making me smile today.  Probably the first thing I realized I loved about Aaron when I first met him was his optimism and carefree attitude about life.  He has such hope and faith in the act of living an abundant life.  He knows how to bring joy and positive outlook to any dreary day.  His idealism balances out my realism and lifts me to a higher plane.  He enables and inspires me to dream big and make bold moves.  I love (though sometimes I pretend to be stubbornly unamused by) his endless sarcasm and fun jesting.  He keeps it light and fun and disarms me when I get too serious.

Another favorite aspect of Aaron’s character that I’ve appreciated through the years is his persistence.  I know I’ve tested his patience on many occasions with my doubts or concerns in our endeavors but he has always been gentle and kind in hearing me out and helping me address whatever mental struggle I’m going through.  He is my Yoda.  Not every woman can say they have their own personal life Coach and guidance counselor available any day at any time of day, but I can.  And he’s not just any random counselor, he is a brilliant, God-loving, faith-guided, wise, loving husband who always keeps my best interest at heart and genuinely wants the best for me, our marriage, and our family.  What can I say?  I am one lucky girl.

Homelessness

Not only is Aaron a great husband, he is a fabulous father too.  One day I caught him cuddled up in the hammock in the back yard with all three of our kids heaped upon him.  He was telling them all about his Mom who passed away before they were born and my Dad who passed away a few years ago and how they are looking down upon us and hoping we make good decisions and live good lives.  He was teaching them about eternal families and what a wonderful blessing it is that we get to be together forever.  It warmed my heart and brought a huge smile to my face knowing that our children are being guided by such a gentle, wise, loving man.  Just the other day Abe was telling me about his conversation with Aaron as they were jumping on the trampoline earlier that morning; “Daddy doesn’t really want to work…he’d rather play with us all day.”  How lucky our kids are to have a Father (really a kid at heart) who genuinely wants to be an integral part of their daily lives and make memories with them as he teaches and guides them.

Its been an adventurous, amazing nine years.  I’m SO grateful I get to grow old with you and enjoy many more amazing years together.  Lets keep making it great!  I love you, Aaron!