Reveling in...

the fact that around this time three years ago my beloved husband took me on our first date.  Little did I know that our date was a life-changing event taking place.  Yet, it has led me to where I am right now. 

First of all, let me clarify the definition I am using of "reveling" or "revel," and how I am applying it to our lives.  I found and liked these definitions best (it can be used as a verb or a noun).

So, when I say I am reveling in the fact that three years ago I started to date my husband, I am using the verb form of the word.  Therefore, I am taking much pleasure in it/delighting in it.  The timing of it, and the memories that come from that date are and always will be precious to me.  To bad I was not a faithful photographer then, otherwise I could possibly insert a picture from that day here.  Oh well, I won't let it hold back my reveling.  

I remember when I added the word "revel" to my vocabulary.  I had heard it and read it before, but never used it until  I was a camp counselor at an all girls camp known as Camp Desoto.  One of our camp directors used it in a small devotion right after we finished line dancing.  (Line dancing is a must at Desoto).  She said, "Do you know what I see when I look at this gym filled with girls line dancing and singing at the top of their lungs?  I see them reveling in friendships, in life, and this world that God has created."  Those aren't her exact words, but you get the idea.  Do you remember that Emily?  Anyway, her saying that has stuck with me throughout the years.  I like the thought of reveling in life, in friendships, and in this world that our loving Heavenly Father created.  

This time off from school, work, and a hectic schedule has been refreshing.  However, I will be honest.  I have not started reveling in this new season until very recently.  I cried buckets of tears the first couple of weeks of my "new life".  Slowly, I have come to the realization that because I went on that first date with Casey, and am now married to him, naturally my life is going to look different from the way I have always planned it.  I know that sounds like a basic concept, but boy has it been a toughy for me to swallow.  All this to say, currently, I am learning that it is completely acceptable to change plans and make different decisions from ones I had orginally made.

What am I reveling in right now?  Homemade bread.  Well, breadmaker bread. (I inherited the breadmaker from a friend - thanks Marianna!)  Close enough, right?  I am thankful to have the time to play around with different recipes, and to have plenty of room for mistakes.  I love the way bread smells while it is baking - to me it is the ultimate "homey" smell.

Casey is reveling in it too.

This is the conclusion of this post, but not the conclusion of my reveling!

(I hope I didn't wear out the word revel.)