My love.

I know it's been a difficult year for us. We've had many changes and challenges at our work. We've mourned and grieved with our dear friends over the passing of loved ones. And the plans we were making for our family were put on hold. Twice.

This wasn't what I had at all anticipated this time last year, when we were going into a new year with so much hope and cheer.

I can't tell you why trouble has met us. I can't pretend to know what lesson (if any) God wants to teach us. I suppose this is where, between human and divine wisdom, the line ends. The only place I know where to start is this: suffering is not unique to the human race, and it is certainly not for those who choose to follow Him. God has given so much goodness to us in our short years together. Like Job, should we say to ourselves to accept only the good, and not the bad?

It is hard for me as a man, as your husband, to feel powerless in my ability to comfort you. I cannot offer you assurances that may prove to be false, or try to predict a future that is not guaranteed. I can only make you a promise that I hope you'll receive. It is the same promise I made to you, nearly three years ago to this day. That I will be there by your side, to be faithful and loving, whether in plenty or want, whether in joy or sorrow, until the end of our days.

In all this I still give thanks. We have more than enough reasons to rejoice, should we choose to see them. Let us not grow weary, let us not lose heart and be taken by the beast of cynicism. May we rest assured that Jesus is with us, near as he is to the brokenhearted, and that he has not forgotten us.

May we find comfort that He will guide us, together, to brighter days.

I love you, always.

Yours affectionately,