This weekend we witnessed the beautiful exchange of vows between a man and a woman.
By the look on their faces, one would think that the world began and ended in each other's eyes. She found the one who would give his life for her. He found the one who saw him for the man he is and wants to be.
We saw the love and commitment of the extended families as their tears of joy mingled with memories of the past and hopes for the future.
On another day this weekend we also heard a sermon about God's plan for marriage.
It is a good plan . . . destroyed by our selfish desires. It wasn't a judgement on those whose marriage has failed . . . but an admonition to work things out as much as possible with the failed relationship and stay with the present spouse.
In combining the romantic beginning with the realities of life,
I have to say that it's about continuing to say "I do" . . . just as we promised . . . in the good times and the bad times. Remembering the "I do love you" when we don't get each other and the "I do honor you" when one of us would do it differently. Isn't this the test of true love?
Saying "I do" to putting each other first and not taking each other for granted . . . nurturing, trusting, upholding and forgiving each other. It's a love relationship akin to something holy, created as a gift by
the One who knows us best . . . for our needs . . . and to His glory.
9 comments:
I was at a wedding this weekend too - such a beautiful one! Your pastor sounds as if he is feeding you well - I appreciate the entry on amputation. I heard a similar one about dying to yourself. Not easy but so necessary.
Amen. True words Anneliese...
Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing this.
We were at a wedding too and reading your post makes me wonder if per chance we were at the same wedding, hmmmm ! ! !
Great post!
Beautiful Anneliese.
It really is about saying I do over and over again. Putting about what we want. ..and giving!
My word verification is meritype.
I like that...marriage is saying 'I do' over and over again.
Sounds like you were at a lovely wedding!
Thanks for the insight. It's all about our choices, isn't it?
Amen! Continuing to say "I Do" is all about commitment. There is just one thing I remember from our pastor's marriage counseling sessions 33 years ago.........every marriage experiences ebbs and flows. Our feelings come and go like the tides, and sometimes the tide may go waaaaaay out, but you hang on and stay committed to each other (keep saying "I Do") and the tide will come in again. Valuable advice which I've never forgotten and which has served us well in our marriage.
Weddings are very much on our minds here as friends of our children are all in a marrying mood. I've never thought of saying "I do" over and over again, but I guess that's what commitment means. Romance lasts, as long as it's firmly attached to all of the other things you mention.
Good reading for anyone contemplating taking the big step.
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