Kelly and I attended a wedding this past weekend. The groom is a good friend of our middle son. They have known each other since seventh grade. As you can imagine, they spent a fair amount of time at our house. It felt as though I was watching one of my own get married.
The bride came in, radiant, as most brides are. Then this young couple stood before God, and a church filled with people and declared their covenant vows. As I listened to each one, take their turn at pledging their unconditional love and commitment to one another, I thought back to my own wedding vows. This couple was “ooozing” with love for one another. For a brief moment, I missed that feeling; the racing heart, weak knees, and butterfly stomach I used to get, when I looked at my man.
Then I remembered, I love my husband with all my heart, but it isn’t that kind of love anymore. It’s a love that has stood the test of many trials. We have shared years of laughter and heartache, some sickness and some health. Till death do us part, was absolutely the commitment I made, when I stood before God on my own wedding day. I meant it as much as I possibly could mean it, as much as I knew what it meant, without knowing what was ahead. Marriage is hard work, plain and simple.
It was God, and by His Grace alone, that I have been able to keep my vows.
The enemy is circling our homes, waiting to pounce and destroy.
Need a little help keeping your covenant? Ask the one who understands covenant, more than any of us ever could. His Grace is sufficient for all of us. Let’s pray ON OUR KNEES for all the married couples we know. God honors those prayers.
~dl
… i loved this post. am not married yet (just turned 18), but witnessed one of my very best friends get married. i pray that in 20+ years time, they’ll still be going as strong as you are with your husband. Have a great week! =)