See the Big Picture in Life

My husband is the coolest.

In the last two months, he aided in the seizure of more than 124 kilograms (273 pounds) of cocaine, and more than 3,000 pounds of marijuana. His ship also led search efforts for a capsized Nicaraguan tour boat.

I’m the proudest Coast Guard wife ever to live. The fact that Aaron was the Engineering Officer on board for such a successful two month patrol reminds me how lucky I am to love a man who is dedicated to the mission of the U.S. Coast Guard: “To protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic interests — in the nation’s ports and waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security.”

He’s home!! I missed him more than words can say!

Not only am I grateful for Aaron’s career because of his service to the country, but I’m also incredibly grateful for the enjoyment and satisfaction he feels in his position. Aaron never loses sight of the bigger picture to protect and save, so he is incredibly committed to overseeing his engineering department on board. He often talks about the fact that he has to keep the ship running smoothly in order for their missions to be accomplished, which grants him the motivation to push through challenges that come with any job. At the end of every day, Aaron is genuinely happy about whatever way he assisted the primary objective– even on days that it’s just through paperwork. Inspiring, right?

When someone loves and believes in the importance their job, particularly in the military, they’re not motivated by money, fear, or status. Everyone I’ve met who deeply enjoys what they do for a living is motivated by having a hand in helping other people through art, events, supporting the government or economy, providing a service to enrich lives, directly protecting others, etc. etc. They see the bigger picture in how their roles contribute to an entire industry or cause– one that they believe to have a positive affect on society.

On a personal level, sometimes I lose sight of the bigger picture for this blog, which is to provide inspiration, support, and smiles to my readers through humor and introspection. It’s easy to become caught up in the artistic details or the stress of constantly being creative, but I hope to become more like my husband– always aware of the overall mission to better the world in some big (or small) way.

Being in a marriage where both Aaron and I absolutely love what we do for a living is not something I take for granted. Work lives strongly affect our attitudes at home, and as I write this with my serviceman asleep next to me, I know that I was given an extraordinary life, largely because he’s in it and fulfilled in his career. Thank you, baby, for everything you did for our country in the last two months, and thank you for always teaching me how to keep the best outlooks on life.

Lastly, thank you to all of the men and women who serve in the military away from home for long periods of time. You are the reason the rest of us have the chance to do what we’re called to do in life, as well.

[Check us out on the news last night! Click: IMG_2903]