I wrote this before Josiah died and I never had a chance to finish it….but I’m publishing it anyway. I thought it would be appropriate to publish it today because today was a very special day for us. Six years ago today Josiah got on one knee and asked me to marry him. I would say yes again in a heart-beat.
When I was young (and I know what some of you are thinking “she’s only 25”, but hear me out), my idea of love was that it was about getting flowers and going on picnics and planning special dates. And don’t get me wrong, I still think that those are special ways to show love. But, my idea of love has grown and changed over the past 5 years. Now, love to me is when my husband tells me I’m beautiful after I’ve been up with the baby all night and haven’t showered in days-that’s love. Or when my husband tenderly lifts his daughter out of bed in the middle of the night and gently washes the puke out of her hair-that’s love. Or the way my husband seeks to provide for his family-that’s love. Or when my husband makes the bed even though he can barely walk-that’s love. Or when my husband, with his only small burst of energy of the day takes my hand and we dance in our living room, cane and all, while he sings his version of “You’re still the one that I love, the only one I dream of, you’re still the one I kiss good-night” (I love his random song choices)-that’s love.
Even though Josiah never got to read that…he already knew that was how I felt. Josiah showed his love to me in countless little ways every day. And because of all the things that he planned ahead, in a lot of ways, he still is. He cherished me, he challenged me, he took care of me. I will forever love him for that.
“[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8
Beautiful Things 
beautiful way of expressing it Jessica…
you are so right Jessica. Love is more than flowers and nice dates…thank you for reminding us 🙂
I love that he loved you. As you look back on your precious too-few years together, you will always know you were loved, adored, prayed for and cherished. What a man he was, to leave such an imprint on your heart. Your story makes me weep and rejoice everytime I read something new.
I actually spent the past two days reading every blog you have ever written. Thank you for sharing your story, your faith, your sorrows and your joys. We readers love you for showing your breaking heart being mended by the Lord Jesus.
What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful husband!! And what a reminder to all of us! Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Continuing to pray…..we love you!
Beautiful, just beautiful….thank you for sharing it with us. I too am thankful for the 6 short years I had with Jim. Too short, but filled with love to last a lifetime. I knew I was more than just loved, but cherished. To be cherished is just so precious.
Continuing to pray for you, Jessica!
I will always treasure the day that Josiah (asked me) & I went to look for your ring.
He was so specific about what he wanted. He patiently & carefully looked & looked & had very good questions he asked.
He wanted something Very special, something that You would LOVE.
When he didn’t find it, he had one made. Priceless.
We Love You!
What a romantic post, Jess. I read what Mary said. How unbelievably romantic that he had your ring specially made for you. I’m sure you would say yes again in a heartbeat knowing everything you know now. Josiah’s not the only one who loved really, really well. We’ve all watched you love from a servant’s heart for years now. You both are an example to an entire generation of young marrieds. Happy Engagement Anniversary.
So true, so very, very true.
Beautiful! Absolutely took my breath away!
This might seem weird, but I had a dream about you and Josiah last night that fits the the theme of your post (I was praying for you right before I fell asleep, so I think that’s why).
In it, the three of us (I’m sorry to insert myself in your family! :)) were driving around in a car with Ava and Lincoln just about ready to set off on a big road trip. And Josiah was driving and just RUSHING around trying to find a place to put air in your tires. And he kept saying that he needed to put air in YOUR tires before the trip so YOU would be ready. At one point, he even leapt out of the car and ran to an air pump (full-speed) to see if it would work.
When I woke up, I realized that’s exactly what he did for you. He got things ready and took care of you as much as he possibly could before you set out on this journey. What a blessing!
This was on my facebook wall. Love this passage.
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a MIGHTY one who will SAVE, He will REJOICE over you with gladness, HE will QUIET you by His LOVE, He will EXULT over you with LOUD SINGING! – Zephaniah 3:17
Wishing you a weekend full of warm memories and the tangible love of your heavenly Father, family and friends to comfort and sustain you.
That is beautiful, Jess. What a special day of memory for you. You will always have that. I am a huge believer in making memories.
A few years ago, I wrote down one hundred reasons why I love Ken and am grateful for him. Today, I think I will write what I think Love is.
Thank you for sharing. You are such an inspiration to me. You are wise beyond your years.
I Timothy 4:12, 13b (NLT) “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity…encouraging the believers and teaching them.”
That, my young friend, is what you do!!
Jess –
In countless ways – everyday it was evident the love that Josiah had for you and his entire family. You have such a beautiful way with words – thanks for sharing.
HUGS & PRAYERS for the entire family!
Jessica, bless you! Some people live in a relationship for a long lifetime and never know this type love! How blessed you were to have each other. May the love of God now comfort you.