A Word Picture: Six Years in Retrospect

Six years ago was my wedding day, and today I love my husband more than I ever dreamed possible. Looking back, I just thought I loved him a lot as we began our life together. Six years, two kids, two moves and many ups and downs later, I realize that I'm only beginning to know what being one with someone is all about.

One of the coolest thing that we have gotten to do together is premarital counseling for other young couples as they prepare for marriage. This has been so much fun for us, and although it does require some time and planning, especially with two young children, I am certain that it blesses and encourages us as much as it does them, if not more. I have done premarital counseling/education through workshops, small groups and couples for some time. Only in the past couple of years have we had the opportunity to do it together as a team. Each time it causes us to examine our own marriage and how we are doing in these areas. It helps us reflect on where we are and what we need to work on more. It encourages us to reminisce and share stories from our history, good and bad, so we can laugh and remember where we have been and how far we have come.

Today it is an honor to share the celebration of our wedding anniversary with a precious couple who has become so dear to us on their wedding day. Kent and Mandy have opened their lives and their relationship up to us from the beginning. They've sat on our couch and at our dining room table and we have laughed, cried and prayed together over the course of their dating relationship ups and downs, engagement and now, today they finally get to express their love for one another in front of family and friends, as they commit to one another and to God the beginning of this beautiful journey.

I am so thankful that we get to see a glimpse of the Father's love through the word picture of marriage. Weddings are fun, and being married is a blast. It's even better when we realize that marriage isn't really about us. Its foundational purpose is to show us and give us an example of the perfect love that Christ has for His people, the church. So, when we read scriptures like Ephesians 5:22-33, we think it's about marriage. Yes, it does offer insight and direction which would be wise to model our marriages after. However, the true and flawless example and purpose is always Christ. Ultimately, we can be filled with hope when we fail our spouses (and we will...again and again), because God's love never fails and always pursues, always perseveres.

I am so grateful today, and every day, for my husband who loves me well, protects and provides always, is an amazing daddy to two little boys whose hero he is and first and foremost loves Jesus and seeks to honor God in all he does. I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate our love and life together than to celebrate a new beginning with sweet friends and worship together, recognizing the most important love story of all.