Celebrating 20 Years

On June 13, 1987, I stood in the back hallway of our church in California nervously waiting with my brother, John, and my friends Kurt, Pat, and Steve. Then I heard the pianist strike up my favorite old hymn, "Holy, holy, holy," and it was time to enter. Margo's friends came down the center aisle dressed in teal; a couple of them gave me a knowing wink as they walked by and took their place. Finally the music changed to "Pachabel's Canon in D," the back doors opened, and Margo's father escorted my bride to my side. We heard beautiful music, listened to encouraging words from our pastors, and shared the vows that we had written that night sitting in the Chart House by Half Moon Bay. And my life has never been the same.

Today, 20 years later, I look back and see that it has been a learning experience for the past 2 decades. We've learned so much about ourselves, our strengths, and our weaknesses. We've built sweet memories together. We've quarreled and made up again. We've been blessed with three wonderful children. We've shared the highs of serving God and others together, and we've been crushed by the inevitable disappointments of life and the hurtful choices of others. We've enjoyed forging some beautiful friendships. And we've grown ever closer together. We can finish each other's sentences. "The two have become one."

If I could do it all over again, I would eagerly share my vows with Margo once more. This time I'd understand more about what these promises mean, how much self-sacrifice they require, and how true joy and intimacy await as we give ourselves to each other.

Happy Anniversary, Margo.

Margo, here before our family and friends,
I commit myself to you as your husband,
and take you as my wife.
Beginning today,
and for the rest of our lives,
I promise to love and cherish you,
whether life brings us joy or sorrow,
health or sickness,
plenty or little.
I dedicate myself to loving you
as Christ loves the Church,
according God’s Holy Word.
I pledge to you my faithfulness,
shunning all others, and keeping myself to you alone.
And, as Christ empowers me,
I will strive to bear all things,
believe all things, hope all things,
and endure all things,
trusting God that the love He has given us
will never cease.
Margo, I love you.