Texas Sunbaked Dream

I dream of a house in the country. There is a big yard where the kids play tag and their own imaginary games. Here they feel safe and secure. Joanne lifts her face and closes her eyes reveling in the breeze as it dances over her face and through the leaves of the tall Bur Oaks. It is dusk. The sun has just gone down behind the horizon. James hollers as he flies high on the rope swing.

My love and I sit on the wooden porch swing on the wrap around porch. He wraps his arm around my shoulders. "I love you!" He whispers in my ear before planting a kiss on my cheek. I look into his blue eyes and smile. My heart skips a beat as I think of the many years it took me to find this gem of a man. I wrap my arm between his arm and chest and squeeze his rock of a bicep. Shaking my head to shake the fear that he is gone, I return the kiss. He is still with me!

My love may have not given me the riches of the modern day. The furniture in our house may be second hand. Sure Joanne and James have to share a bedroom and the dining room doubles as a school room. There is dreams to expand someday...Well even if we don't have everything we want, still there is love, food, clothes on our backs, and a roof over our heads. This is way more than some people have.

We haven't traveled the world like we dreamed. There were no journeys deep in the the African jungles. My love wanted to go for taste testing wines in Italy and France. I haven't been able to go on extravagant book tours for my published books.

Still our house is filled with laughter. James competes with his dad to see who can come up with the best joke of the week. Joanne and I dance as we wash the dishes. James and Joanne have "snow ball" wars with the socks as they fold the clothes. Yes, we have been blessed by Adonai!

I place my hand on my growing womb. My sweet little one kicks my hand to say hello. I rub my bell in response. My love and I lovingly debate over names for this new precious gift from on high. As a family we excitedly count down the days until she arrives.

"Thank You Jesus, that it has finally cooled down!" I exclaim taking a sip of my hot cocoa.

"Do you ever wish you didn't leave Minnesota?" My love questions me.

"I miss the snow," I whisper with a smile, "There are days in the summer I wish we could live in Minnesota, but no...if I had stayed I would not have this life with you."

"Love," my man whispers putting his hand on my shoulder. I am startled out of my daydream by his touch. We are still in Texas, but not out in the country. We are in a tiny apartment. There are no children...yet. I touch my empty womb and smile. There is still time and hope.

Even now, there is not much in the form of worldly wealth. Still our place is filled with laughter and love. There is food in our stomachs, clothes on our backs, a roof over our heads, and hope in our hearts for the family to come. Thank you Jesus! Yes we are blessed!