All of the cliches are true. Throughout my single years I have always scoffed at the cliche things people told me about getting married. You know, things like, "work on becoming your best self," "It will happen when you least expect it," "Have faith in your future," "marriage is a miracle," "timing is everything," and my personal favorite: "It will be worth the wait."
I always hated that statement because it meant that I had to do what I hated doing most, which was to "simply" wait. However, God has a sense of humor, and he has instructed me about patience for the last 14 years or so. Now I come to realize that God's time table was surely the best one.
I have so many thoughts right now, I don't know where to begin. But I feel a lot of gratitude that it took "so" long for me to find the right guy. I feel so grateful for all of my travels, education, mission, professional, and service opportunities that allowed me to come to love and "find" myself. I had always thought I would have been that girl to have gotten married right out of high school, but I see the benefits of waiting longer and learning so much about myself.
I feel so grateful for my fiancé, and his love and kindness towards me. He appreciates me in everything that I do. He loves my cheesy jokes, my curves, and even my tears. He makes me laugh and is so grounded, good, and loyal. I feel so lucky to have found him and that he loves me as much as I love him.
I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for guiding me to this point even though I had to muddle through some thorny trials and challenges. For all of the lame dates, boyfriend-less years, and friend-zoning antics that I experienced during single hood. Because all of those moments allowed me to recognize Brad for all of the good qualities he has.
I am grateful for the spirit's direction in my life: From BYU to London study abroad, from the mission to living in Washington D.C., and ultimately to guiding me to move back to Utah 2 years ago. I am grateful that I followed all of those promptings...especially that last one!
I am grateful for wonderful friends, coworkers, and family members who stood by my side, loved me, mentored me, went on adventures with me, made me laugh, and served me. The single years would not have been as joyous if they had not supported me.
I am grateful to my Heavenly Father and his wisdom, timing, patience, love, and answered prayers. God is good.
Words don't suffice. I am just so grateful. And yes, ALL the cliches are true. And most importantly, it was worth the wait.
Now, I just can't wait for us to be together forever. Let the next chapter of life unfold!
