What These Hands Have Learned

My husband and I have been together for 15 years next month and married for seven years today!

Recently, after a day of road tripping and exploring, I looked down and realized in a humbling moment of recognition and familiarity, just how lucky we are.  I snapped this picture to remember it.

Just a casual drive and almost daily occurrence of holding hands in the car, and it struck me how thankful I was for it.

You see, these hands have learned a lot in our time together.

These hands have learned to reach for one another when either of us is feeling sad or scared.

These hands have learned to find their place on each other’s back when we need a little guidance or support to move forward.

These hands have learned to put away the dishes or fold the laundry when the other is stressed or overwhelmed.

These hands have learned to send multiple text messages a day, to constantly remind the other how loved they are.

These hands have learned to take turns walking the dog and picking up after her.

These hands have learned to high-five in solidarity and celebration.

These hands have learned to wipe away tears on the hard days.

These hands have learned to steer the car to the ice cream shop when a certain someone is in a certain kind of mood.

These hands have learned to cook a thousand meals together, and expertly hold a wine glass as they do.

These hands have learned to make tea and soup for the other when they’re sick.

These hands have learned to bake the other’s favorite cake for their birthday.

These hands have held each other through countless “Thy will be done” prayers.

These hands have “cheersed” a million and one drinks.

These hands have found each other in the cold, in the rain and in the sunshine.

These hands have found each other in cars, in theaters and in churches.

These hands have been covered in sawdust, paint and mud.

These hands have learned that they belong together, and I’m so thankful they belong to us.