Being so different and incredibly young, we were both filled with stubborn pride. He found it hard to apologize while I was the one saying “sorry.” Yet, he forgave quickly, while I was the one holding a grudge. We were sputtering and spiraling, but God had other plans. The Bible says, “two are better than one” and “A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart” (Ecclesiastes 4:9a, 12b). It felt as though the more we resisted the tighter the yoke grew. I can honestly say it brought me to the end of my self-sufficiency.

And here God’s principles became a lifeline. I began training being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose and regarding the other person as more important (Philippians 2:2-3). As a result, when I say it is 6 days until the big day – our 41^st Wedding Anniversary, it truly is a celebration of all our heavenly Father has accomplished through a pair of 18- and 21-year-old kids. To be sure, we still have miles of growing to do while still living in a fallen world and still possessing a sin nature. Which means there are ample opportunities to apologize and offer a clean slate to one another!

As we continue this modified “celebratory fast” for another week, I am so grateful for all the learning that goes with a man and woman becoming one flesh to the glory of God (Genesis 2:21-24)!