Today 32 Years Ago

Thirty two years ago today I stood in the chancel waiting for the most beautiful woman in the world to walk down the aisle.  The processional hymn was "In Thee Is Gladness," the presider was the Rev. Charles Evanson, the vested deacon was the Rev. Gary Frank, and the setting was Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ft. Wayne, IN.  Following the Liturgy of the Word, vows were spoken and rings exchanged.  Then the congregation sang "Now Thank We All Our God."  We received the Sacrament of Holy Communion together as husband and wife for the first time.  And then we recessed to the Fellowship Room for a reception.

On that day I had no real idea what marriage was, what it meant to be husband to this woman, or for her to be wife to me.  I trusted her with everything, I valued her companionship as the best friend a person could have, I loved her as best I knew what love was, and I cared for her more than my life.  In 32 years of life together there have been many tests and trials, many joys and many sorrows, many moves and changes, but what has not changed is my belief that she was and is the best choice and decision I have ever made.  I know a bit more about what marriage is, what it means for me to be husband to her and for her to be wife to me.  I trust more than ever, I delight in being with her every moment, I love her more than life, and I care for her more than I ever knew I could care.  And that is what love is -- burdens shared, sorrows comforted, trials faced together, joys and laughter untold, honest conversation of the hardest things to speak, faith grounded and united in God, so that I cannot think of me without her... Thanks be to God for her and Happy Anniversary to my one and only beloved!