Where has the time gone? Was it really 4 years ago that I was being woken up by my best friend and my mom jumping on my bed in anticipation of the day ahead? Was it really 4 years ago that my heart pounded like a freight train traveling through my chest as I waited for the doors to open and see my groom for the first time? Was it really 4 years ago that we tried so hard to hold back our laughter after Joe proclaimed “with this wing” instead of ‘with this ring’ during our ceremony? Was it really 4 years ago that I entered into this covenant commitment proclaiming that ours separate lives were no more; but rather we were one in Christ? WOW! The time sure has flown.

As I reflect on these past four years, my heart is so overjoyed by God’s faithfulness. I can honestly say that Joe and I are even more in love and stronger in our relationship with the Lord and with each other than we were 4 years ago when we started. Has every day been gumdrops and lollipops? Of course not. Marriage takes work. Lots of work. And boy am I grateful to have a husband who is willing to put in the time. More importantly than that, I know that he knows the One who is working through him and in him. Oh the joy and comfort we have in knowing that we are not in this alone, but instead we have our Creator and Sustainer as our constant guide and protector, who is for our marriage and for our joy!

As I think of all the ways that Joe has blessed me, one way that stands out to me the most is his humbleness. Now I don’t just mean that he lacks arrogance, rather I’m speaking of his humble spirit. It is not easy for any of us to admit that when we are wrong, or say the words “I need help”, but to me THOSE are the qualities of a truly great leader. Joe and I are two of the most stubborn people you will ever meet, so you can imagine what goes down when we have a disagreement ;). The thing I love about Joe is while he is strong in his opinions, he always considers mine as well. He isn’t afraid to turn to godly men and ask for help or advice. He isn’t too proud to ask God for His wisdom. He isn’t above admitting when he is wrong or saying “I’m sorry.” And for that I am truly grateful.

 I truly believe that the Lord has created roles in marriage; the husband is to lead and the wife is to submit. I know that many women find the idea of submitting to their husband as a negative or foreign idea. If we’re honest, I don’t think many people like to submit to anything, really. I can attest to this fact! I think what makes the difference is who it is were are to submit to. Ephesians 5:22-33 speaks of the roles that a husband and wife are to have. As I read about the kind of husband God calls a man to be in verses 25-33, I am thankful. What wife wouldn’t want to put her faith and trust in a husband that loves her ‘just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.’ A husband whose priority to this wife is to build her up in her faith and keep her ‘without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.’

Lord God, thank you for your beautiful picture of what a marriage is supposed to look like and thank you for giving me a husband with Ephesians 5:25-33 qualities. Thank you for opening up our hearts to you and for continually reminding us that our marriage and our lives are ultimately about you, Jesus. Help us to continue to grow in our love for you and our love for one another. Let us not look to our own understanding, but rest in the truth of your Word and live life daily serving you and those around us. Please give us the privilege of having a marriage that mirrors the relationship between you and your church; a marriage that is not just about us and our good, but about the message of the gospel. Let our marriage continue to be rich with your blessings and may you use it to spread the Gospel message to all those that need to hear it. We have a long way to go, but I know that you who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. All praise and honor be yours Lord. Amen!

Happy Anniversary to my humble leader, my cutest of cutes, my hubster, Joe! I love you SO much. Here’s to a lifetime of being sanctified together. We’ll have this thing down by the time Jesus comes back for sure ;)!