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Today is my birthday.
And our anniversary.
Only someone as crazy as me would get married on her birthday. Seriously, what was I thinking??
But not everything was crazy about that day. A few things our pastor said during our ceremony sticks with me still. In many ways they have defined my life these past 27 years. I remember meeting our pastor in his small, book filled office during one of our pre-marital counseling sessions. I had just attended a friend’s wedding and had been struck by the gravity of the vows they took. Even more, though, I was struck by how I would be making that same commitment. It dawned on me that I when I spoke those words I would mean them.
For better or worse.
For richer or poorer.
In sickness and in health
Forsaking all others.
Till death part us.
Like all married couples, JP and I have had our share of the ups and the downs. Of dreams fulfilled and dreams dashed. Of good health and prolonged pain. Of money in the bank and not enough money to make ends meet. In short, we’ve had what you’ve had, if you are married—real life in all its messy, glorious imperfection.
And we have lived all this with each other by our side.
The vows I spoke 27 years ago—I meant them then and I mean them now. If you’re married, I hope you do, too.
One other thing the pastor said stays with us—a prayer he prayed over us as he ended the ceremony.
“God, grant them their holiest desires.”
When our wedding was over and we arrived to our hotel room that first night as man and wife, we found ourselves chatting about the wedding.
“Do you think everyone had a good time?”
“Was the wedding as pretty as we hoped?” (OK, I asked that one.)
“Did you even eat? I’m starving!”
“Do you remember anything the pastor said?”
Although like most brides and grooms, we stumbled through the ceremony in a foggy daze, JP and I remember the same thing with clarity: The prayer.
“God, grant them their holiest desires.”
And God has. God is. God will.
In all likelihood today is not your birthday. And it’s probably not your anniversary. Certainly it’s not both! (If it is, we need to chat.) But you have desires today. You have hopes, dreams, a big “to do” list. Commitments to relationships. What are your holiest desires today? May I pray for you right now? May I say a simple prayer over your life as your days unfold in all their messy, glorious imperfection?
“God, grant her her holiest desires.”
Amen.
PS. The winner of last week’s $25 gift card is…..drum roll, please……Nicole Tirado!!! Nicole, send me your address and your gift card will be on its way.
For the rest of you…next week is another give away. Comment again and tell a friend who might not know about this blog for a chance to win!
donna, what a great encouragement you are! we, also, have had our ups and downs but agree with you and jp that what we share is commitment. a marriage filled with God’s will and spousal friendship is a joy for sure. the prize IS worth the price!