Eighteen years ago on this very same day, I found myself professing this sacred vow, same with my husband now: “I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”
How easy it was to utter the words at that time. It was all about the excitement of making a final commitment with our relationship. Of making it legal. Of making it official…forever and ever…AMEN!!!
But when we both started this special union, it was living those words, of reading between the lines that makes our marriage works. However, I think something is missing with that traditional vow…It’s only a marriage united by God’s love that makes a couple’s relationship thrive. Why? Because love describes Who God is and how He feels about us. That He desires to be with us and have an eternal union with us. When we take action to love Him, that’s when we discover how much He loves us!
To my partner, my God-given love in this difficult trek, thank you so much for loving me unconditionally. For being the best husband who always supports me, who is always beside me, for richer or for poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, as we both continue to love and cherish, until death do us part….I love you! I thank God for His gift of marriage and I thank Him that He gave you to me. For being and always giving your best as a father to our son. Oh, and the product of our love? He is turning 15 two days from now. Happy Birthday to our son who is so sweet, loves to read His Word and tries to etch them in his heart. Who is funny, loving, strives to always give his best. One who loves designing cars in his computer. One who excels in his studies. Yet, he knows, that it is the pursuit of inner beauty that matters in living this life in this world. Dad and I love you very much!
The three of us, after accepting God’s love and forgiveness, found that we don’t have to be beautiful or rich or famous to become virtuous. Because knowing God leads to increased happiness and fulfillment. Going after the intangibles brings that true satisfaction and lasting benefits.
But along this life’s journey, we walk on so many valleys. So, as I celebrate our 18th anniversary, I also celebrate my mother’s passing away 9 years ago. Celebrate…yes…because when I discovered the Lord’s promise of eternal life, same with my mother, I knew I had the best reason to celebrate instead of mourn. The moment she entered the portal of death, only meant the beginning of eternal life. In that I rejoice!
"38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~ Romans 8:38-39 [NIV].
Lord, thank You for Your being You. Thank You for Your greatest attribute You had shown and given to us: L-O-V-E. That is our souls’ greatest need. Your love brings security and calms us. Thank You for all the wonderful relationships You have given us as we continue to walk this life’s journey. Let Your love binds us all ever so strong. Thank You for Your promise of eternal life. Thank You that You made it possible for us to be reunited with You through Jesus, Your One and only Son. To You be the glory, forever and ever, for all ages to come! Please bless Your children’s marriages and keep us safe from the evil one. Please bless our parents, to those who don’t know You, please open their hearts and minds to accept Your proposal for an eternal union. Please give them strength and protect them. Please bless our children. Keep them safe and away from evil. Give them discernment Oh Lord, especially in this world racing for physical perfection, instead of knowing You and the beautiful changes You create, inside out. Thank You Lord! I love You! ‘Til death do us part….Because of the wonderful Name of Jesus and what He had done. Amen.”
[Please silence my playlist to listen to this wonderful song]:
ETERNITY - by Brian Doerksen
I will be yours, you will be mine
Together in eternity
Our hearts of love will be entwined
Together in eternity
Forever in eternity
No more tears of pain in our eyes
No more fear or shame
For we will be with you
Yes, we will be with you
We will worship, we will worship you Forever
I, I can hear Him saying (I can hear Him saying)
No more (no more), no more (no more), No more tears
No more tears, no more pain
No more fear, no more shame
No more tears, no more pain
No more fear, no more shame
Nothing will never come between us, oh, nothing
I can hear Him saying
Nothing will never come between us
Oh, I can hear Him saying
Nothing will never come between us
Nothing will never come between us
We will worship, we will worship You forever (4x)
30 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING - 14
5 hours ago
