June 2, 2007
The sun was shining and the birds were singing. Quite literally. It was the perfect day for a wedding. On that special day, four years ago, I married my best friend. For the first time, my husband is not here beside me to celebrate our anniversary. As I reflect on that day, I have to laugh a bit at our vows. I love the vows we chose. It's just that I had no idea on that day how true those words would be. And how difficult those words would be to live out. Still, as I reread portions of our wedding ceremony, I find my strength renewed.
Our Wedding Vows
{My Husband}
"I choose you to be my partner in love and in life. The Lord instructs me to be the one who is the head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church [Ephesians 5:23].
I take you to be no other than whom God has created you to be
Loving what I know of you
Trusting what I do not yet know
With respect for your integrity
And faith in your love for me
Through all our years
And in all that life may bring us
It is my desire and delight to be your leader and love you as Christ loves the church. With all my heart, I make this solemn vow to you before God."
{Me}
"I choose you to be my partner in love and in life. The Lord instructs me as the one who will be your wife to submit to you as unto Him [Ephesians 5:22].
I take you to be no other than whom God has created you to be
Loving what I know of you
Trusting what I do not yet know
With respect for your integrity
And faith in your love for me
Through all our years
And in all that life may bring us
It is my desire and delight to be your helper as Our Father created woman to be [Genesis 2:18].
With all my heart, I make this solemn vow to you before God."
A Special Reading
"Joy is love singing
Peace is love resting
Longsuffering is love enduring
Gentleness is love's true touch
Goodness is love's character
Faithfulness is love's habit
Meekness is love's self-forgetfulness
Self-control is love holding the reins"
(Donald G. Barnhouse)
Ring Exchange
{Same for us both}
"With this ring, I thee wed: with my heart, I thee honor, with my soul, I thee love."
{Irish} Blessing
"May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial."
