Mack and I are unique in that we have spent a large majority of our relationship long-distance. Rather than planning to visit foreign countries with each other, we fly transoceanic because of each other. Mack’s master's took her to Germany and her doctorate to Pennsylvania, and my work has taken me from Chicago to Florida to Texas, then back to Florida, to Pennsylvania, and now to Minneapolis. Though not a situation many people would power through, we’re not “many people.” Being long distance may be the single biggest challenge of our relationship, but it hasn’t stopped us from working each day to be closer together. Our drive is what defines our relationship in many ways.

One of the first things I heard about Mack from the mutual friend who introduced us was how intense she is. Indeed, I have heard many people remark about how intense we both are. That intensity is a key part of what drew me to Mack, and it continues to be a critical part of our relationship. Indeed, what makes our partnership work is that we appreciate each other’s drive to pursue their passions. To be in Germany, to write, to fly. No matter where our journeys take us, we always find a way back together. At the end of the day, though, we’re never really “back” together; we just move forward together.

Meeting John for the first time was like receiving a huge, warm hug. I noticed he was a good listener, someone who brought his whole presence to our conversation—a trait that is so rare in a historical moment filled with noise and inattention. Falling in love with John in the months to follow felt inevitable. John is someone through whom God's love shines, dazzlingly.

The number one question I am asked about our relationship is how we 'survive' (can we please change it to 'thrive'?) despite our long distance. The answer is simple. We find ways to stay curious—about the world and each other.

Now about 90 days away from our wedding date, I have been reflecting on our last five years of change, closeness, and adventure. We have been through high times (literally, in a plane) as well as low ones; I believe each past experience will lead us to tackle the upcoming joys and challenges of marriage in stride.

An unusual passage on the nature of love from the Song of Solomon (8:6-7 ESV) comes to mind. It reads, "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised."

The passage encapsulates the powerful feelings of servitude, passion, and humility that have come up for me as the wedding date approaches. I appreciate the Goldilocks description of love, that "many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it." So it has felt to be John's partner: Enrobed in a stream that is just right.