A Letter to the Bride

My dearest bride,

Thirteen years ago was your wedding day.  The day you'd imagined since you were a little girl.  The day where all your dreams came true.  The day you married your doting Prince Charming.  The day your real-life fairy tale began.  The day your "happily ever after" became a reality. 

You knew better than to place all your focus and all your finances strictly on the wedding day.  You knew it was but a day in the grand scheme of your life.  But you also recognized July 11, 1998, as holy, as sacred, as set apart to honor the union of you and the one God had chosen for you. 

Your desire was to see God glorified and to demonstrate gratitude to the One who brought you and your beloved together.  You wanted to celebrate your love with all your family and all your friends, who would serve as witnesses to this momentous occasion.  You clung to the hope that every detail of this day would be etched in your heart and mind forever.  And it would be.  Forever.

Your wedding is but a memory now.  The marriage began when two separate-thinking, separate-feeling individuals joined together to become one and thus, formed a new family unit.  For the first five years of your marriage, life was pretty simple.  You started your careers.  You both taught school.  You labored in the Lord together.  You traveled.  You reveled in life as it was.  You enjoyed each other to the fullest.

Baby girl #1 arrived and your family grew.  So did your responsibilities.  So did your love.  You saw each other as partners in this crazy, but overwhelming, task of parenting.  You needed each other more than ever to overcome the numerous challenges that inevitably came with having a newborn.  But you survived.  As a matter of fact you treasured your new role as Mom.  So much so, you desired another little one.

Baby girl #2 joined the family three and half years later.  With her arrival, life became busier, but also more fulfilling.  You were extremely grateful for your newest gift and managed to juggle having two little blessings completely dependent upon you.  You cared.  You cried.  You prayed.  And suddenly, the realization hit you that life was no longer so simple. 

Years later, your heart is content.  You feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all you've been given.  You're in a good rhythm, singing new songs and learning to dance new steps each day of your life.  Your home is filled with the goodness and grace of a loving and faithful God. 

Amazingly, your husband still adores you.  Still considers you a most cherished treasure in his life.  Still honors you, loves you, and cares for you as he publicly promised he would on your wedding day.

You feel the same way.  Your beloved is your best friend.  He is your strength.  He is your calm in the storm.  He rights a multitude of wrongs.  He speaks with wisdom and truth.  He is well respected.  He is an invaluable helpmate and trustworthy provider.  You have an amazing man, a reflection of your Savior, with whom to share your life.  You love him with all of your heart.

Be forewarned.  Over the years, there will be times of tension.  Moments of misunderstanding.  Seasons of struggle.  Lest you forget, may I remind you that forgiveness is paramount.  Listening is essential.  Silence is golden.  Compassion is key.  Take heart.  True love conquers all.

Most importantly, remember that your marriage to your beloved is a symbolic picture of Jesus' precious relationship with His radiant bride, the church.  You were called and sanctified.  You are pure and holy.  You are unblemished and unparalleled, all because of Jesus, your bridegroom.  He is passionate and patient, as He waits to be with His bride.  He longs to celebrate with those He loves. 

Trust me, the union will ultimately be a day you will never forget, just like your own wedding day thirteen years ago.  It will permanently be etched in your heart and mind.  Forever.

Lovingly,
Michele