As many of you already know, Robyn and I got engaged a few weeks ago. If you don't already know the story of how I proposed you can check out Robyn's blog and read all about it. I figured since several others have also written about me being engaged (including, but not limited to Jared, Ann and Carrie) it was probably about time that I write something myself. The story has already been covered very well so I thought I'd just share a few of my thoughts on the experience of being engaged. To help illustrate my thoughts I would like to share this picture.
This is a picture of the trail leading to the meadow where I proposed to Robyn.
I include it here because it is a place of great memories for me, obviously, but I think the picture itself carries great symbolism.
The picture shows a trail ahead, but the trail winds off to where you can no longer see where it leads. Yet you can see enough to know that it will take you to a beautiful place. Being engaged is like that for me. I don't know exactly what to expect, but I know that where I'm going will be wonderful. The trail slopes upward slightly. That means it will take work to travel along that trail. You can see mountains far in the distance. This indicates that this turn in the trail is not the end of the journey. Rather, the journey is really just beginning.
Standing where I am, looking at the trail ahead, anticipating the adventures to come I feel great excitement and joy, but at the same time there is the slight fear of the unknown. Of course, for me, the hardest part, is that I have made the decision to turn that corner and now I just have to wait until October 11th, to actually get the chance to see what lies ahead.
But the best part is knowing that when I do turn that corner it will be hand in hand with my love. In Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring, Bilbo Baggins addresses his nephew, Frodo, and says, "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the Road and if you don't keep your feet there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." I don't know where this road may sweep me off to, but I do know that whatever joys and sorrows lie ahead, we will face them side by side for all eternity.
This is a picture of the trail leading to the meadow where I proposed to Robyn.
I include it here because it is a place of great memories for me, obviously, but I think the picture itself carries great symbolism.
The picture shows a trail ahead, but the trail winds off to where you can no longer see where it leads. Yet you can see enough to know that it will take you to a beautiful place. Being engaged is like that for me. I don't know exactly what to expect, but I know that where I'm going will be wonderful. The trail slopes upward slightly. That means it will take work to travel along that trail. You can see mountains far in the distance. This indicates that this turn in the trail is not the end of the journey. Rather, the journey is really just beginning.
Standing where I am, looking at the trail ahead, anticipating the adventures to come I feel great excitement and joy, but at the same time there is the slight fear of the unknown. Of course, for me, the hardest part, is that I have made the decision to turn that corner and now I just have to wait until October 11th, to actually get the chance to see what lies ahead.
But the best part is knowing that when I do turn that corner it will be hand in hand with my love. In Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring, Bilbo Baggins addresses his nephew, Frodo, and says, "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the Road and if you don't keep your feet there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." I don't know where this road may sweep me off to, but I do know that whatever joys and sorrows lie ahead, we will face them side by side for all eternity.
Love...cute. Whatever.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
Very philosophically cool. :)
ReplyDeleteYay for the beautiful meadow! I think that meadow is my new favorite place. And I'm so excited for your big day!
ReplyDeleteHey Jeff! Love the blog! So no joke I had a dream about a dirt trail/road curving around a corner and winding up a hill and mountain when I was engaged. In my dream my friend who wasn't (still isn't) married was mad I was going on the trail. Crazy Huh?
ReplyDeleteJeffery Theodore, I think this is your best blog yet. I am excited for you to continue down the path that rocks.
ReplyDeleteI love you too! Thanks for walking with me.
ReplyDeletevery insightful. Congratulations again--so glad you've found such great happiness.
ReplyDeleteJeffery Theodore Stockett, if you wrote blogs more often, I would comment more. I think you should start writing more. Yes. Do.
ReplyDeleteNote to self, make sure you are connected to the internet BEFORE you try to post an excellent comment, because if not...you'll never get it back. But basically, I feel blessed to have people such as yourself in my life. Who knew what would come out of a small and simple conversation in a mexican restaurant in Atlanta! That is why life is so amazing to me! We have all these small seemingly inconsequential moments, that suddenly become these huge hinges on which eternity swings! It makes me want to internally combust if I think upon it too long. The video you showed me of Robyn was the clincher! I wish both of you the best of life! I can't wait to read more blogs about your new family, especially when the children come. I know those are going to be some pretty fantastic tales!
ReplyDelete