In Sickness and In Health
The day before our wedding, our pastor hosted a rehearsal to make sure the bridal party knew where to stand, and of course, he threw some commentary and advice our way. We practiced reciting our vows, and instead of saying, “For richer or for poorer,” the pastor rehearsed, “For richer or for richer.” Come our actual wedding day, I was too busy laughing my way through repeating, “For richer or for poorer,” I blew through the next vow.
There’s no rushing, “Sickness and health.” Sickness and health comes and go, but matrimony on this earth together never fades. Marriage is exposed to all the things. Seasons, stages of life, and money don’t replace the priority of clinging to one another. During seasons of marriage bliss, thriving, transitioning, and fighting, “To have and to hold,” Tim through it all will always be worth the good and the bad.
This week is 10 years of running the race God has marked out for us! We put this verse at the forefront of our marriage on our wedding day, and God continues to reveal His joy, peace, and purposes as we run this race together.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)
Indeed, what a race it has been! Whether the years went slow, altered our lives, or we desperately wanted to get on to the next season (hi, cancer), God has been so faithful.
Enjoy the trip down memory lane!
By no means am I a runner. Lately, I even have walking limitations for my residual back pain. Yet, I’m so glad my race isn’t over yet. I’m overjoyed that I get to keep running this race with my husband by my side.
Happy Anniversary Tim. You’ve made our marriage all that it is today!
Heavenly Father, help Tim and I keep our eyes on you. Thank you for the mentors, friends, and community of witnesses you continue to surround us with. Thank you for sending us great people to rally and fight for us. Thank you for loving us first, so that we could extend our love to one another. Amen
