As I sat in the kitchen this morning having my quiet time, I tried to turn to the book of Ruth, and I sort of lost control of the massive study Bible Grant gave me. Instead of opening where I wanted it to, it opened to the cover page. There, I saw the letter Grant wrote me when he gave me the Bible for Christmas in 2008.
I hadn’t read the letter since he gave me the Bible, and I reread his words.
GraceAnna,
I noticed that one of the verses that you underlined (in your Bible) was Colossians 4:2-4. It reads, “Continue steadfastly in prayer being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the Word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison – that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.”
(Grant went on to write about my time serving with Campus Crusade and how he was praying that these truths would become real in my life. I was still working at Duke at this time).
…I beg of you, to not grow cold in your faith and love for the Gospel! As your brother in Christ, and Lord willing, your future husband, I want you to know that I will encourage you every step of the way, and be praying for you, that your faith in Christ would be continually strengthened….
…I pray that at the end of the day, that 2 Timothy 4:7 may be said of us.
…be encouraged, because God is good and His love is overflowing.
~Grant
So, as I sat alone in the kitchen, listening to the hum of the dishwasher and the washing machine, my heart was encouraged. And I was reminded how much I need my husband. I was also reminded much we need others to encourage us in our walk of faith. We can’t do it alone.
And I do pray, that one day, 2 Timothy 4:7 would be said of us.
Castleberry Hearts 
aw that is both sweet and super encouraging. love this, graceanna. 🙂