Steve and I are blessed to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary in the coming week.  In 1988, we stood before God, family and friends to declare our love and commitment to one another at the tender ages of 17 and 18.  A fulfilling life has been sandwiched between then and now!  Today, my heart and soul echoes those vows to my sweetheart more loudly and deeply than ever before.

This summer, while visiting with friends, we enjoyed Biblical conversation concerning marriage.  One friend proclaimed that he loved God first and then his wife.  To which, Steve humbly added, “I believe my love for my wife actually reveals my love for Christ.”  His statement was meek, yet profound and brought to mind Ephesians 5:25-28  which lovingly states, “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his wife loves himself.”

I am certain that if I were to ask, Steve would never desire any public praise for his role as a godly husband.  However, in a world where much dishonor is shown to spouses, I want to honor and commend him for his expressions of love toward me over the past 25 years.  His love truly is a reflection of Christ’s love for me. 

"Your love for me has never wavered. Thank you for loving on purpose, showing expressions in many ways...sometimes audibly...sometimes in the unspoken expression of a touch or a deep look from those brown eyes.  You always make me feel like your beautiful bride.

Your provision for us is steady.  I have never encountered anyone with a stronger work ethic than you, my sweet husband.  Other than our family get-a-ways and vacations, I can count on one hand the number of days you have missed from work in our 25 years together.  You are noble, honest, full of integrity and perseverance.  By God’s grace, our household has never been in want.  

Your mercy and forgiveness have often been exemplified toward me.  Becoming a wife at seventeen, there was much growing up still left to do...I was mouthy and headstrong!  Many times, I have needed your mercy and forgiveness for my unthoughtful words...and then there was that time when I wrecked our new car three times in a single day!  (Yes, that really DID happen! ) I am a woman of imperfection, but I am bonded to a man of forgiveness and mercy.

Thank you for being a faithful teacher and guide in our home.  You lead by example.  Patience defines you.  You learned much from both your best friend “Papa” and life experiences and we are beneficiaries of your gained wisdom.

I adore how interested you are in ME...diligently observing my likes and dislikes over the years...making all my dreams come true.  Because of your care and interest, our marriage has continued to grow and expand.  We enjoy one another’s company. Our laughter is great medicine.

Is there a more loving exhorter? Your trust fuels my purpose and provides strength, comfort, advice, and affirmation for the journey.  Although you are the head of Repairing the Breach Ministries, you are quite content and comfortable to stand in the shadows and willingly and sacrificially supply funding for my vision.  

We are a team and I could not ask for a better man to share life with.  You are my king and because of your love I sit in the seat of a blessed queen!  I cannot wait for the next 25 years.  Truly the best is yet to come.  I love you ‘til I draw my last breath.  Happy 25th Anniversary, my love."