Better Together

Every year on our wedding anniversary (April 15th), I am drawn to the simplicity of four words. Four words that changed the course of history for us and began an amazingly incredible journey of twenty five years.

I do.

I do.

Four words that changed the course of our lives. Four words that ushered in the beginnings of great mysteries and miracles of a life we never imagined. Four words that have been a constant companion in the deep valleys, the caverns of death, as well as the mountain tops of joy. Four words that have not failed young, tender hearts as they have grown and matured. Four words that have known deep despair, suffocating sorrow, persistent pain, jubilant joy, bountiful blessings, prevailing peace, and God's grace. Four words that began with hope in Jesus. Four words that now find ALL hope in Jesus.

To my husband I say: your servant-leadership, un-wavering love, humility, faithfulness, wisdom, steadfastness - in these and a thousand other ways you show me the love of Christ

every day. Your self-sacrificing love towards me gives me a glimpse of Jesus. It daily points me toward Jesus. I am continually amazed and blessed by your love even when I love so incompletely, when selfishness rules my heart and I demand my own way, when I insist on being right, when I fail to encourage you and build you up, when I don't respond in a spirit of love and humility, when I fail to listen with an open heart and mind, when I fail to lovingly communicate with you, when I just out-right fail to be the wife God has called me to be. It's hard to express what I feel ... All I know is you sacrificially love me anyway ... unconditionally. Wow. Tears. Truly the mystery and miracle of marriage.

I never dreamed that twenty five years later my heart would quicken with the sound of the garage door opening signaling my best friend was home from work or that I would still get butterflies in my stomach when your hand clasps mine in the car or on a walk. Or the enjoyment

of sending "love texts" through emojis on our phones during the day. Or just the warmth that is felt when capturing each other's gaze making an ordinary moment extraordinary.

These twenty five years have been about hope and a joy that is not dependent on circumstances. Not hope in ourselves or hope in the healing of my progressive disease, but hope in Jesus. " And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him." 1 John 4:16

Love from God and my best friend, my beloved, my husband shows me the continual mystery and miracle of marriage. It leaves me reflecting in awe ... and anticipating tomorrow ...

I do.

I do.

Four words twenty five years ago ...

Twenty five years later ...

Because of God's grace, four new words ...

We do. Better Together.

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Comments

Mark Colavecchio:

Truly love this. Thanks for sharing your lives with us!

Victoria Ridley :

Thank you for sharing this.

Kimball & Elizabeth:

Fantastic! Congratulations. You 2 make it look easy. Thanks for sharing your lives and ministry with so many.

Kurt Kroschel:

Happy Anniversary! The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face to you and grant you His peace.

Steve Braden:

Happy Anniversary to a beautiful couple. "I do" wish God blesses you with many more years together. Uncle Steve and I love you very much.

Doris Hixon:

Happy Anniversary to two amazing people! I love you dear friend.

Donna J Bembeneck:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

sandra henry:

Happy anniversary! How are you doing, Lee? Sending our love. Bill and Sandi

Eunice Goodwin:

I remember your beautiful and sweet wedding! I always cry at weddings because I know that young people do not really understand "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health"! You two have experienced those words to a greater extent than most of us and the result is a precious example of total love for all of us. Happy Anniversary to you both! With much love, Eunice

Kelly Anderson:

Love you both and rejoice with you in celebration of your amazing marriage! Woo Hoo 25!