It was a lovely wedding. I have
known the bride and groom for years and have loved them both separately but
love them even more as a couple. As they knelt to take communion together, I
watched as the bride’s arm went around the groom’s torso and her hand rested
lovingly on his back. Tears stung my eyes as I witnessed a long journey
concluding at the altar. She had waited—and waited—for a man who would cherish
her like Christ loved the church. I was honored to witness a union firmly
established in faith.
The evening was bittersweet. I
remembered the day I had pledged my life and love to a man who loved me with
such great compassion and joy. We spoke of how we would grow old together and
watch our children and grandchildren blossom into men and women. We planned
trips around the world. We imagined retirement together. Our lives were ever intertwined.
There was no future ever fantasized that did not include “we.”
But then the unimaginable
happened. The man I vowed to love until death did us part tragically died
shortly after his 43rd birthday. Suddenly the future grew grim and
gloomy. I realized then how very little control we have over what tomorrow
might bring. We are not promised “old age.” We are not even guaranteed next
week. We can only be assured of the moment we are in. Life truly is short.
I know I will witness more
weddings, and every one of them will be a joyous occasion. I just pray that
every couple who walk down the aisle and enter into that covenant relationship will
value every day after the wedding even more so than the ceremony itself. I pray
that they treasure the years they are given and never squander even one single
hour of any given day. Love is a gift from God, and marriage is by His design.
Do not waste it.
