While
today is nationally recognized as Veteran’s Day, we primarily celebrate this date for a
different reason in our home. For it was on a Sunday afternoon a year ago, my
wife and I were married. I remember scrambling around all morning, hoping I had
packed everything for our honeymoon trip. I’m not normally one too concerned
with my looks, but I was trying extra hard on that particular day, as I wanted to
look my absolute best for my gorgeous bride. We had friends and family from
parts near and far attend our wedding ceremony. I had one of my former students
comment on how nervous I looked standing up front by the minister, waiting for
Brittany and her father to come down the aisle. To which I said, “Dude, did you
see my wife?! Did you see all the people?! I mean, who wouldn’t have sweaty
palms!?”
As I
reflect back on that special day and this amazing last year that the Lord has
blessed us with, I’m reminded of some things that tie in with this national
holiday. Like those that serve our country to help maintain our peace and
freedom, the hard work that goes into marriage is often similarly unseen.
Countless hours of training and discipline go into the development of a good
soldier. For husbands and wives, it is a matter of constantly reprogramming one’s mind to
think first of his or her spouse, not self. Meaning that our wants and wishes
are no longer primary, but rather what’s best for us. This is because we are working for something so much bigger
than ourselves or even our own marriage. For the opportunity we have been
granted, in fact, all couples have been given is this: we have a chance to show
God’s love for mankind, in the way we love our spouse. The reach of this focus
may impact your children, your community, and generations to come.
The
veteran is honored today because of his or her self-sacrifice and constant awareness of the bigger
goal of service. The veteran would also be familiar with the necessary component of
achieving one’s mission. Much like those serving, the overall success of our
marriage (and yours too) is dependent upon those around us. Sure, we have the
biggest responsibility within our marriage, but we all need others for support. We need someone to
cover us, encourage us, and help refocus our attentions to the mission at hand.
As my wife and I look back at our wedding day photos, we’re grateful for the
people the Lord has surrounded us with. We are blessed beyond all measure!! May we make the most of the opportunity we’ve been given and may we each love our
spouse in such a way that others might clearly see God’s grace at hand… Happy Anniversary to us and
may God richly bless all our Veterans!!
matt@nbchurch.info
Twitter: @FattMowler
Facebook: TheFattMowler
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