Many years ago today we committed our lives to each other. The decision was based somewhat on emotion; we were in love. It was based mostly on naiveté; we really knew very little of each other and what we were getting ourselves into. It was based completely on the fact we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together; through better and worse until death parted us.
The better and worse of time has changed us. What I know of you has grown. Our love has expanded. The passage of time has grown us richer. Not because time itself makes anything better, but because of how we’ve chosen to spend our time. Being together. Sharing more of ourselves with each other. Giving more of ourselves for each other.
Though we still don’t love each other perfectly, we do love each other better. Our compassion grows as our mutual need for grace softens the hard edges.
We’ve passed the years with shared intimacy. Running to each other first. Living through moments we’d never share with another. Holding on tight when temptation threatens to pull us apart.
Years of frustration, hurt, and pain have forced us to tear down what’s been poorly constructed and to start building again. With years of memories, experiences, and love neither of us fully understands or feels we deserve.
It hasn’t always been fun or easy, but it’s been beautiful. In that beautiful way that channels are carved across the landscape of one’s life to make room for love to flow.
And I marvel that this institution of marriage is a picture given to us by our Creator God.
A picture of faithful covenant.
Of steadfast love.
Of undeserved favour.
This knowing completely yet loving deeply.
And I will betroth you to me forever.
I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice,
in steadfast love and in mercy.
I will betroth you to me in faithfulness.
And you shall know the LORD.
Hosea 2:19-20
A Space for Grace 