What God has brought together.

Marriage is not, a certificate license or ceremony. It is not a public admission of a private feeling. It is this: two people becoming one in the eyes of God in faith love and hope. If indeed, a union is brought together by God Himself, there resides a greater calling upon these souls to navigate the relationship, with God as the ship on the ocean of life. How can you tell if God has really brought you together with your mate?

It's when you love her with the love of Jesus, because that is what Christ within does. It supersedes better or worse, sickness ans health. It renders decisions based on purpose and principal. A perfect partner will be part of the mold that makes you like Christ. How could we ever know how to love someone without condition, if we were not challenged and bound in one accord to do so? It seems the many personal qualities that love is to me are at work in my own relationship. My girl is teaching me, in all her imperfection and humanity, to love everyone better. Not just her. 

My wife is the first person I was brutally honest with...all the ugly out in the open is the beginning of beautiful. I had nothing, not even a car when we met. Nor did she. We had a good foundation I imagine because talking was about all we could afford to do. Our first kiss was almost 3 months in and it was the most awkward moment one can imagine. She says it was like kissing her brother. I was that nervous and she was that carefree. On our first date, she spoke less than 10 words. We were friends at first with no intent to settle down with anyone at anytime.  We would talk as time went on, one time 18 straight hours. She knows more about me than anyone else, even more than my own brother. Communication is the key. She is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, Inside and out. She is messy, I am clean. Opposites in many things that just dont matter. She has endured more than most could stomach discussing, and yet still sees such possibility and good in people. She forgives much and loves much. She challenges my paradigms, believes in Jesus,  and has broke our bank helping people undeserving of kindness.  A Godly relationship will conform the other member in the image of Christ. Not overnight, but by His will. She doesn't make me a better man...She makes  me pray to God that I might be one, for her and Him.

This relationship has seen its opposition, in forms that only a believer could understand. We have struggled in many ways, but we forge ahead. We spend less time condemning the other, but rather, challenge the other to change. We have seen wilderness and trials, feast and famine. But through it all, I remain committed to this woman in a way that makes every other I love you spoken before her vain and empty. She makes me believe that love is much ado about, the very little things. Lord protect and preserve this union in accordance with your will. Help us to overcome and defeat the enemies within. Help us to be pure, holy and acceptable to your precious calling. Gather us as sheep, keep us from the wolves, and lead us to those you seek to call by name.
In Jesus name...