After 26 Years, I Still Do
We just recently celebrated our 26th anniversary. Over a quarter of a century of time has slipped by since Steve and I spoke our original vows, and I would do it all over again.
Marriage was designed by God way back in the Garden of Eden.
After declaring everything He made ‘good’, God said there was one thing that was ‘not good’:
And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him…And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.Genesis 2:18, 21-22
What a beautiful picture of that first marriage. Adam and Eve were each unique, yet together they were able to showcase their Creator to a greater extent than either were able to on his/her own. I love the way Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Mary Kassian put it:
“Manhood, womanhood, marriage, and sex exist to put the story of Jesus Christ on display. Their purpose is to draw attention to the beauty and wonder of the gospel.”True Woman 101: Divine Design, p. 212
His strengths
Before I even knew my husband, the Lord knew exactly what I needed in a spouse. I’m blessed by Steve’s godly characteristics:
Faith in our great God
he consistently chooses to trust God no matter the circumstances
Unconditional love
he chooses to love me with no strings attached
Support/encouragement
he chooses to be my biggest cheerleader when I write and speak
The ideal woman
In some ways, I feel like that bride of 26 years ago – I’ve got so much to learn to be the wife my husband needs. A quick skim through the last chapter of Proverbs, and if I’m honest, I get discouraged.
I slip into comparison mode and recognize all the things I am not. I’m not the earliest riser, and I rarely make my husband breakfast. I’m not very handy when it comes to sewing, and my earnings as a writer/speaker would hardly be considered ‘profitable.’
The Proverbs 31 woman makes me tired. She’s up at the crack of dawn and “…her candle goeth not out by night.” (Proverbs 31:18b) I, on the other hand, enjoy a full eight hours of sleep.
Realizing the truth of God’s Word – that He created each of us with unique gifts and abilities – gives me a nudge in the right direction.
The Proverbs 31 woman serves as an inspiration with the right priorities.
The next 26 years & beyond
My desire in the coming years is to pour into my husband Steve’s life in a way that will strengthen our marriage and paint a beautiful picture of the gospel. I see several ‘how-to’s’ in Proverbs 31:
Grow in my relationship with the Lord – keep Him first
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. – Proverbs 31:30
Build up my husband – be an encourager
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. – Proverbs 31:12
Focus on his needs, instead of my own
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. – Proverbs 31:27
Today I’m thankful for my marriage, and I’m looking forward to living out God’s plan for the next 26 years and beyond – one day at a time. I love you Steve Morgan!
Your turn
What character qualities do you admire in the Proverbs 31 woman? If you’re married, what step will you take today to strengthen your marriage?
Can I pray for you?
Heavenly Father, thank You for instituting marriage. Help me realize marriage is about more than joining two people together; it’s about showcasing You. Show me how I can be a better wife to the husband you’ve blessed me with. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Additional resources
Revive Our Hearts – over 6000 resources!
Women Behind the Scenes – Amber Taube
Women Behind the Scenes – Corli Hall
Proverbs 31 – Lysa TerKeurst