We began 2015 with a New Year's Day walk to the
beach. Tumbled down on blankets, armed with fresh journals and cookies, we put
to paper our goals and prayers for the coming year. A common theme found on all
four lists — to work on loving and giving to our little family and then, to
share that love with others.
“It is one thing to
inventory your blessings; it’s another to care for,
love and nurture them in all the ways they deserve.”
love and nurture them in all the ways they deserve.”
–Mardi Jo Link,
Bootstrapper
That list of gratitude and goals seems simple
written down, blessed by sandy little hands and the shushing of waves. However,
the reality of living and loving is often a relentless, complicated and messy mission.
Our best efforts yielded a trove of memories, some absolutely wonderful and
some that involved total failure and forgiveness. What did loving and giving
look like at Casa Watson this year?
For Mark, it was early morning work sessions and
six-day work weeks tending to his growing Watson Fiduciary client base and
working full-time as the chaplain for Valle Verde Retirement Community.
Bringing Leah a perfectly made cup of coffee (with just the right amount of
froth) to her in bed every morning just as she woke up. Reading novels to the
kids at night and driving them to school in the morning. Leading family
devotions and taking out the trash. Holding us tight and pushing us to pursue
our passions with his steadfast love.
For Leah, it was
working to keep our world small so we save our best to give to each other.
Redirecting us when we got off course. Working-mom acrobatics to meet deadlines
at the office and still make it to the school pick-up line in time. Morning
cuddles with pajama-clad cuteness. Embracing forty with confidence and
unapologetic self-care. Planning grocery lists, vacations, closet clean-outs,
birthday parties, dentist appointments and date nights. Attempting touches of
domestic magic to keep our little cottage happy without losing her mind in the
process.
For Ben, it was
running to get Leah when Clara finally mastered her beach cruiser bike and
saying in awe as he watched her ride, “Mommy, isn’t she amazing?” Teaching us
about Greek and Roman gods. Fighting imaginary battles in the backyard and choosing
to be the good guy. Asking thoughtful questions, giving thoughtful answers. Talking
too fast and waking up slow. Requesting the symphony station on the radio. Counting
down to the new Star Wars movie over Christmas Day. Reading and reading and did
we mention reading? Growing into a handsome young man of integrity, humor,
intellect and joy.
For Clara, it was putting on elaborate shows for us
involving costumed stuffed animals, set design and wearing her faithful fedora
while belting out her favorites — Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra and
Bing Crosby. Wishing for a dog above all else and then, patiently loving other
peoples’ dogs while we wait for the right time to add one to our family.
Playing capture the flag and kickball, building with Legos and cheering on the
Giants. Throwing a tea party for her stuffed animals and asking for a pedicure
date with mom. Giving the warmest hugs, brightest smiles and cards written with
a depth of love and understanding that defy her seven years of sweetness.
“Keep returning to those whom
you belong
and who keep you in the light.”
and who keep you in the light.”
-Henri Nouwen
On October 16th
we celebrated our sixteenth wedding anniversary by renewing our vows. The four
of us headed down to Butterfly Beach where Pastor Bussell, who officiated our
wedding, stood once again with us as we made those promises. It was a
meaningful way to commemorate our “sweet sixteen.” More than that, we knew
there’ve been seasons where honestly saying those vows again would have been
hard, if not impossible. We wanted to stand in gratitude for the faithfulness
of God, those who who’ve stood beside us, and for this family that has been
created out of two flawed people pledging to build a life and legacy together.
With Ben and Clara
nestled between us we reaffirmed those sacred pledges. Harold brought out the
prayers he had prayed over us at our wedding and as he spoke those sacred words again the deep mystery and beauty of our marriage left us awestruck.
Humbled, we know that this abundant goodness has little to do with any heroic efforts
on our part — it is the gift of daily waking up, doing our best to keep in the
light, asking for help when darkness descends and making the promise to hold on
tight, forever.
Thank you loving us
all these Christmases. We love you back. May we all take those relentless, complicated,
messy and beautiful steps of love in
our small worlds.
Hold on tight,
Casa Watson
Thank you, Evan Janke Photography.
Our memories wouldn't look as pretty without you.
