Running towards 50!

This beauty turns 50 tomorrow. She is running towards 50! This woman is my best friend. No other human has impacted my life more than Lea Paige Kelly. I am humbled by the work and pleasure of God in my life through Lea.

28 years ago tomorrow, I put an engagement ring on Lea's hand in Sale Creek, TN and wished her a happy birthday. I knew that I wanted to marry her, spend my life with her. I could not have even known to fathom how vast her beauty was and how lavishly it would wrap around my soul. And that's just her inner beauty.

I know that numbers and age affect different folks in different ways. Lea has been running towards 50 for years. She has wanted it with the Lord. Aging is a gift for her, not numbers to be shunned. She is wooed by her Savior lover. The older she gets, the closer to face to face with Him she gets. She truly longs for Him. I see it and it affects me.

So many sweet gifts in the decade of her forties. Offering her life on behalf of Taylor, Trent and Trey. Quietly pouring out her jar of nard on the feet of her Lord as she daily serves her mom. Loving and discipling memory disciples at Paideia Academy. Living out her call to love the next generation at Cedar Springs and the Korean Church of Knoxville. Waiting for the opportunity to love daughters as Taylor and Trent have met and engaged with Ashley and Meg. Cheering passionately for man Trey, both in our home and on the soccer sideline. Literally becoming a runner for the first time in her life. And she has quietly fought for the heart of this broken man. There are no words to write or speak.

Her dad never made 50 on the earth. Tomorrow is significant for her as she remembers her earthly father's early death and longs for her heavenly Father's heavenly calling for her. She's running towards 50 tomorrow with a humbled heart, a yearning soul and expectant eyes.

I long to be with her.

I just long to be with her.

Stunned. Grateful.

There's more.