I Still Do...

Kim and I celebrate our 15th Anniversary today - September 12, 2007! WOW....it's an amazing thing - to know and to be known. To say our vows only took 30 seconds, but keeping them is the work of our lifetime. We could not be where we are today - in the process of an adoption - were it not for those vows spoken before witnesses 15 years ago. Some things have changed - which are evident by these pictures... but we vowed to continue loving in spite of all changes and adversity. The most amazing gift of marriage is how God has taken two different people like Kim and I with different gifts, likes and habits and has grafted us together as one. Early on in our relationship, there were struggles, arguments, and frustrations. But over time God has allowed us to become like minded on all the important issues.

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Ecl 4:9-12

Over the past year divorce has entered our world to where our kids are trying to figure out answers to grown up questions. It is becoming clearer and clearer to me that not just any love can justify and bless a marriage, but only the love of Christ. He is the Lord of marriage and He holds the key to it. This is the lesson the world is struggling to learn.

So as I reflect on 15 years, I am deeply humbled. So many times I do not deserve the love of my wife... I hurt her through broken promises, by chosing other things and other people over her, through words I speak or don't speak.... yet in spite of all she knows about me and my flawed character, she chooses to love me. And the beauty of who she is shines through in so many ways, that all I can do is give thanks, and commit myself each day to loving, serving and honoring her.

And so I celebrate! Our kids our a testimony to our love. But I think even more so, our adoption is testimony to where God is leading us. So I encourage you to celebrate your own marriage today. It truly is a gift.