because this week is my sixth (!!!) wedding anniversary,
I’m sharing the story of how I met & married my husband.
//part 1 :: love at first . . . nevermind//
//part 2 :: and so I asked him out//
//part 3 :: sometimes love is just awkward//
//part 4 :: say yes to gilbert//

The summer before my senior year, I got the bright idea to run a marathon that fall. My dad was planning to run one in November 2007, so I thought I would secretively train while at college so I could surprise him and run the big 26.2 as a dad+daughter duo. Unfortunately, during one of my long runs, I felt a searing pain in my knee. The diagnosis? I tore my meniscus so badly that I needed surgery. Major bummer. Also, because the surgery was scheduled the week of my dad’s marathon, I wouldn’t even be able to drive home to watch my dad run. Double major bummer.

Little did I know that Jonathan was pulling some strings to get permission to drive me home so I could at least watch my dad finish the marathon. I was super excited, but pretty drugged and in pain. Also, my entire right leg was stabilized – meaning I couldn’t bend it – which meant I sat in the back seat of the car while Jonathan drove the 5 hours home. I mean, not a major deal…but not super cool, either.

The day after we got home, Jonathan was out ‘running errands’ while I was chilling on the couch with my leg propped up. He came back to my house and said, “Hey, do you want to go to some botanical gardens together?”

“Umm, not really. I’m not feeling that great.”

Okay, guys…don’t be a hater. You know you would’ve said the same thing if you were in my stabilized leg condition.

My sister and Mom decided to chime in. “Oh, Christa, just go! It will be fun!”

At this point, I decided he was probably about to ask me to marry him. And though I should have been ridiculously excited, I was a little annoyed. I blame the drugs. I also blame the fact that my leg was hurting and I was going to have to ride in the car IN THE BACK SEAT again and go through the gardens in a wheelchair. Hashtag romance at its finest. Hashtag not really.

I used crutches to get into the car and awkwardly slid myself into the back seat. Jonathan drove to the botanical gardens and wheeled me in to a bench in the conservatory. There were gorgeous plants & flowers all around. I don’t remember everything that he said, but next thing I knew we were married.

just kidding.

I honestly don’t remember much of what he said, {again, I blame the drugs} except I know he got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes! And then he pulled out some roses he had stealthily hidden behind the bench. We had decided not to kiss until our wedding day, so we gave each other an awkward hug and then he took me back home so we could tell everyone the happy news & so I could sleep off the pain + drugs.

6 years later, here we are. But I know him so much better now. And I love him more too. How in the world is that possible? Ask God. It’s all because of His grace. I’m realizing more and more how true that really is. Marriage is a gift from God. It was His idea. And so it’s only blessed if we do it His way. When Jonathan and I become selfish and start trying to do things our own way, things start breaking down. It’s only when we both, by God’s grace, do this marriage thing in His way that God blesses.

Speaking of marriage, I couldn’t help but share some pictures from our special day…

I’m thankful for my husband. He’s a godly man. And he’s ridiculously good looking too.
But I’m more thankful for God’s grace. I bet you’ve seen His grace at work in your own life too, haven’t you?

p.s. if you’re interested in resources for improving your marriage, check out this 31 Days of Building Your Marriage series. it’s full of advice from couples who have been married for years. and years and years.

p.p.s. if you enjoyed this series, I’d love to have you connect with me on facebook or subscribe by email. We have loads of fun. Always.