The years that led to the altar were filled with mixed emotions. Some pressured us to rush. Many warned us of the heartache that comes with “I Do”. But few discussed the splendor of love between man and wife. Tales of broken dreams and nightmare pet peeves clouded our vision. Hope hung in the air, but we braced ourselves for what might possibly be a life long bondage to a former-love turned present-enemy, complete with ball and chain. Still, we pressed on.
With tummies fluttering, promises were declared before 200 witnesses. Joy was abundant, yet the fear of hardship lingered. Though marriage was sweet, its beauty was eclipsed by the residue of its unfavorable reputation and a constant anticipation of trials.
Then, just as we suspected, hardship came.
...But love remained! {What a charming surprise!}
Soon, "for worse," "through sickness," and "for poorer" became a reality that presented itself all too fast. Tears were shed, frustration was felt. But we didn't give up...
And love grew stronger.
Amidst the voices that threw insults at marriage, one voice surpassed them all, offering hope for a different kind of union, a union that stood separate from common. So we laid hold of words of wisdom that illuminated the wonder of marriage in all of its glory.
Marriage is a gift.
I’ve been far too shy to unwrap this truth in the face of those who tear down the love of their youth. {Please hear my heart when I say I genuinely mourn with those who mourn over a broken marriage.} Some days I shrink back with intimidation, wondering if it's okay to be happy. Is this allowed? Is this normal? Do I have permission? But today, in this place, in my little corner of the web, I'm mustering up the courage to do something a bit different. I'm giving myself permission. {I hope you don't mind.} I'm singing a song that’s rarely heard. We aren't perfect, and the need for grace arises daily. But in the thick of my shortcomings, my soul rejoices over the wonderful gift before me. This is the one I choose 365 times each year. He's far more than I ever dreamed of. He’s my love, my best friend, my husband, and as we like to say, my bestie, my buddy!
When the waves come crashing down, we'll face them together again. Only by the grace of God, with Christ as our solid rock, we hold onto this valuable lesson: life gets hard, but marriage doesn't have to.
Thanking God for the gift of marriage, for the love that grows deeper every day, for joy that abounds, and for the couples who have shown us this is possible...
P.S.
Today I’m linking up with one of my very, favorite bloggers, Emily Freeman. She’s the author of Grace for the Good Girl and she is actually the blogger who inspired me to start writing! With that said, she started a pretty cool idea called Tuesday’s Unwrapped. This is a time where bloggers across the web get to write about the gifts that God is currently unfolding before them. Thanks for joining me as I shared my heart about the gift of marriage!
Love ya!
Love ya!
-Monique
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