Reflections on Marriage

Last weekend our family had the privilege of witnessing an amazing wedding in Franklin, TN. What was different about this wedding? To be blunt...everything. I could mention the building (not a "church" but a building called "The Factory") or the unorthodox, artsy room setup, or the live band that provided very nice music accompaniment, or the two ministers that presided over the event, I could go on and on but that would not really describe what made it different. What was it you might ask? What made it special were...the people. We have known the family of the groom (Luke) for 16 years. They are a very close family. They are a family that loves God and loves each other. It was exceedingly evident that God brought the bride and groom together. It was also obvious what a good example of a Christ-centered marriage can do in the lives of children. In my mind, the ceremony was a testament to the parents and the model they have provided as to what marriage should be. I will never forget the look on the groom's face when the father of the bride walked his daughter down the aisle. Luke was getting a glimpse of God's gift to him...his bride (Courtney). From the wedding vows, to the tender words Luke shared regarding his wife to the words shared by one of his brothers, to...basically everything about it, this wedding was an example of what a marriage is supposed to look like.

As I reflect on the events of this past weekend I think about the 23 years of marriage that my wife, Barb and I celebrate today. I am so thankful for her. She is God's gift to me. I have never doubted, even for a moment, that The Lord brought her into my life. God is the one to put healthy relationships together. I hope and pray that our children have witnessed a marriage that they would desire to emulate in their lives. God is good. May we honor him with our marriages.