Today, my husband and I are celebrating our 15^th wedding anniversary. I often remember the well-known vows we took on that special day when we became one. “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do us part.” These vows are often said with so much excitement of the day that you don’t really meditate on the meaning of what you are saying!

I have learned so much from and about my husband over the last 15 years. Like most marriages, we have had challenges and disagreements. We have laughed and cried. We have celebrated the life of three precious children, and mourned the loss of our baby boy, Elijah. We have accomplished goals and dreamed of new goals together. But there is one thing that is what has held us together through it all… God’s love. It is not humanly possible to truly love and accept another human, flaws and all, without having experienced God’s love yourself. It is only through God’s love that I have been able to love and cherish my husband, even in moments when we disagreed. Instead of holding grudges or becoming bitter when things go wrong, God has helped me grow as a person and in faith.

I am thankful that God is not done working in me yet but am so thankful for how far he has already brought me in my personal and spiritual growth. His love is what I try to model every day. Qualities like patience can be developed the more we receive and practice giving God’s love; A love that doesn’t focus on the characteristics a person lacks, but on what a person already possesses, loving patiently as both parties are being transformed daily into God’s image, and being faithful in the process.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the people you have placed in my life who challenge me to be more like you. I pray that you help me demonstrate the same patience, love, kindness, and generosity towards others that you have given me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

1. Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) 8:7.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.