17 years

Today we celebrate 17 years of marriage. Seventeen. It’s amazing how it seems like only yesterday we were two college students who fell in love with Jesus and one another. And today we stand before you with 17 years of marriage, a beautiful baby girl, and a deeper love for God and one another.

And it’s a beautiful thing.

Marriage is a beautiful thing. We knew that well before we married one another and still hold that same assertion today, only much stronger. While our marriage is far from perfect, we have learned so many things these past 17 years that we are vital to a successful marriage. 

You are a good man. No, a great one. You are the man of my dreams. Not just that, you are the man who has slain the dragons in my nightmares. You have exceeded my dreams, brought to life a man my dreams didn’t know existed. You are a man who speaks the truth. Not just truth that everyone wants to hear; you speak the truth everyone needs to hear. It’s refreshing. You are a good man. 

You are a selfless man. When you saw me struggle with loneliness and depression, you gave me time away. When you hear me utter a silly desire, you find a way to fulfill it. When you see me tired and weary, you give me time to rest. When the workday has drained all my energy, you order pizza on your way home from work. You clean up our never-ending messy house on your day off.  You are a selfless man. 

Thank you for being that man. I hope you feel loved for all you are. In the moments I say nasty things and my tone is hurtful, I hope you still know the depth of my love for you. That my heart breaks knowing I’ve hurt the one my soul loves. 

Thank you for pushing me to grow. For loving me when I’m in a dark place but never allowing me to stay there. Thank you for asking me tough questions. For showing me the truth when I need it, grace when I don’t deserve it, and discernment when I am too confused to understand. 

Thank you for being a good father to our baby. To know she is secure in your love is a gift. Knowing she will always understand the love of a father will have eternal rewards. For her to see you loving people and serving the Lord will guide her the rest of her life. I’m certain that they will trust Him more easily since she had a father that has cared for her so well.