We cut the cake on together the day we sat in the car in the church parking lot and cried over destiny. When the pastor approached and asked you, the one with the architectural degree, if you had ever thought about ministry. His question unlocks the hope dream of future. We walk through the threshold of call, arm and arm.

We pack the moving van eight times, shake the hands of strangers in each new town, hang pictures, do laundry and pick out a refrigerator on the way to give birth to our first child . . .  side by side.

Each new position of authority, office to decorate, leaders to host, conference to lead, sermon to share; they are mine too.

Each job change, disappointment in friendship, milestone reached, ministry pioneered, words recognized by strangers, dream realized; they are yours too.

Their first words, first steps, tears shed, sleepless nights, angry fits, and side splitting laughter; we carry them in the pocket square of the heart together.

We have sprained our ankles on the cracks of life and braced ourselves leaning into shoulders. Sighed deeply in tangles of circumstances without answers, and laughed joy in redemption.

And for this girl who grew up between the torn page of two hearts in the first chapter of her life, who watched the world spin on the sidelines of alone, wondering if together only exists in the clouds of floating dreams and idealistic eyes. I am thankful for you my husband, the way we do life joined by the extended rubber band of union, stretching past our comfort zones and resting in faith. Together.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ¹⁰ If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. ¹¹ Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? ¹² A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. ~Ecc. 4:9-12

Joining Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday with the one word prompt: Together.