Paper Chains

When I was little, my sisters and I used to make these construction paper chains that served as a visual countdown to some exciting event. Each link represented a day until Christmas, a birthday, vacation . . . something that we would ask my mom every five minutes, "Is it time yet?" So, to ease her sanity, she had us make these chains and could just refer us back to them telling us, "Count the links!"

The paper chain is now down to seven days. You know it's close when the wedding date is now on the extended forecast on The Weather Channel. (Brad keeps telling me not to look at this yet, but I can't help myself.) :-)

In many ways, this countdown is so different from the rest. In order to get a good sense of my anticipation, you'd have to add up all the birthdays, Christmases, and vacations combined. There's no way I can adequately express my excitement.

It's also really different to realize that it's a countdown to beginnings. When we'd countdown to Christmas, we'd all celebrate, enjoy Christmas, and then go back to "normal" life the day after Christmas (except with a few more toys). When this countdown is over, my "normal" completely transforms. It's not at all a bad realization; it's just very surreal. I try and imagine what "new normal" will be like and find it's quite impossible to do. Makes me even more anxious to just start living it. :-)

And so, this morning, tearing another link off the chain reminds me of how much I miss my bridegroom and I can't wait to see him again. It also overwhelms me with a gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father who is so faithful to all His promises. Seven more sleeps!!!!