Head Over Heels This Valentine’s Day

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Chris Rice is one of my absolute favorite songs. Five years ago, I picked it out as one of the hymns to be played at my Dad’s burial service that we held at our church. The beautiful hymn holds a very special place in my heart as it never fails to remind me of my Dad while at the same time reminding me of God’s grace.

A couple of years ago I met a friend that I would later fall completely head over heels for. He has the biggest heart and makes me feel like I am on cloud 9 every single day! Though our journey to find each other wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies, we put our trust in God’s plan and ultimately found our lives were better together rather than a part. He is such a blessing in my life and I am so thankful. One of our favorite things to do together is to go to church on Sunday morning. Almost every time we have had the opportunity to go together, we have been blessed with this beautiful hymn. It never fails to take my breath away; not just because it’s beautiful but also because I stand in awe of the same song finding it’s way into my life at different churches, on different weekends, time after time. My family is always on the look out for signs that my dad is watching over us and I think I just may have found a sign in this hymn!

As I was sipping coffee with my mom on the morning of my 25th birthday (February 12th) we were flipping channels and landed on the church channel (confession: sometimes we tune into church on TV if we fail to attend on Sunday morning hehe).  What song came on seconds after I flipped the channel?! Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing! My jaw about hit the floor! I looked over and my mom had started to tear up. Happy tears because although we miss him, we know he’s in a better place. I found my strength, looked at my mom and said, “ya know, this song comes on almost every time Ryan and I are together”.  She looked at me and responded quickly with confidence, “That’s Daddy.” She went on to say, “Ryan’s a good guy and maybe this is his way of telling you. His birthday present to you.” (I really can’t even type this without tearing up just a little! I think it’s all so beautiful!) It was a short interaction but a meaningful one that I will likely never forget. I think my family looks for signs but I also think that it’s no coincidence this special hymn has found it’s way into a new season of my life. This year, I look forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day (a few days late) with a very special man.  Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family or a significant other, remember that God has a plan. Trust His timing! Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Xoxo, Anna

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