No mere human can see down the corridor of time. God has no need to, as He is above time and He wrote the story in the first place. He does from time to time reveal future events to His people. When Lisa and I married nine years ago today we did not know what the future would hold. I did not marry her because I wanted the future I envisioned with her. I married her because whatever future lay before me, I wanted it to be lived with her.
Through these nine years we have had our share of hard providences, events and challenges I would not have chosen for myself. If, however, I could go back in time and select from a life of ease and comfort apart from Lisa, or a road filled with sharp curves, gaping potholes and all the hardships of the Oregon Trail, but with Lisa, there would be no real choice. Give me Lisa.
For nine years we have followed, side by side, as the Sower leads us toward the true and eternal promised land. We have drunk bitter waters, and we have beheld His astonishing miracles. The glory, however, is that we have done these things together.
I could hear, as I have done in other places, extol the virtues of my wife. I could celebrate and herald her amazing gifts. I am deeply grateful for all of them. But what I rejoice in is that she has stuck with me, she remains beside me, that we go together into whatever future lies before us. We do not know what the future holds. But we are loved by the One who holds it. And through it, by His grace and for His glory, we will hold each other.
Congratulations on your nine years together.
I thought of these two poems after I read your post. I wrote them after my wife of 19 years found a “new boyfriend that ended our marriage.” This is what I wanted if I ever found another to share my life with. I did find another, Maribeth, we had seventeen wonderful years together. I pray you and Lisa have many more years together than just 17.
WHEN
When it’s not just ink stains
Dried upon some lines.
Nor a mere, fleeting glance
That holds you for a time.
When words in truth are spoken
And dear as life are held.
When silent thoughts not uttered
Bind long as life does dwell.
And the ring is just a token
Of what lies within the breast.
And honor and character
You can, with trust, now rest.
When the face is like a flint
In righteousness to hold.
When duty to the vow
Will never let you go.
When reversal and calamity
All around you see.
And time and chance transpire,
Your mind unchanged will be.
When unshaken in resolve,
That marriage blessed you’ll see.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
– Proverbs 18:22
TWO BECOME ONE
Walking together, the two of us vow.
Working together, we’re as one now.
One with the other, unity shared;
Our souls knit together, two hearts that do care.
Two paths no longer, one road we see.
Our life for each other, one flesh we will be.
No longer alone our conflicts to bear.
With help from the other, our burdens we’ll share.
The future is far, unseen it will be.
With your hand in mine, we’ll walk faithfully.
And when trials come, one prayer there will be.
Because now our hearts beat singly.
From “The Path Life Takes”
Beautiful brother. I’m sorry for your loss.