Monday, July 28, 2008

Renewing My Vows

"Here today, in front of our friends and family, I intertwine my life with yours. I am so thankful for having known you these four years. You have helped me to further understand myself, this world, and my place in it. I am a better person for having been your friend. But friendship has turned to love, and now you have become the lens from which I perceive all romance. I cannot hear it without thinking of you.

I promise you that as long as this world holds on to me, I will hold onto you. I will delight in the periods of joy, and I will endure the times of sorrow, to cry with and for you. I commit myself to a life of submission, service, and sacrifice to you.

I say this not in my own strength, but in the confidence that our Lord has a vested interest as well. God is my strength so that I can be yours. Christ bore my burdens so that I can bear yours. The Spirit leads me, so that I may lead you. Like Christ Jesus, I promise to love, serve, and if need be, die for you, my bride."


These were said one year ago today at my wedding. I was responding to these wonderful words from my wife:


"Harrison, I love your heart, your intentions, your passion and your strength. Thank you for pursuing me when I didn't want to be pursued, for accepting me when I didn't accept myself, and for loving me with your actions, your words, and your thoughts. Experiencing your love so completely has healed wounds in my life.

Harrison, I believe in you, in who you are, and in who you will become. I commit myself to you. To support you and your dreams for the rest of our lives. To encourage you and challenge you. To serve and respect you. To forgive you and to accept your forgiveness.

Right now it's easy for me to show you love and make our relationship a priority, but I know there will be a time when it becomes more difficult. It is then that I will rely on the strength of Christ to fulfill these commitments to you. Thank you for choosing me to be your bride."

7 comments:

  1. I've never actually gotten to sit down and read these. Freakin awesome. I say, "Amen and Amen." I must confess that a tear leaked out on this one. I raise a glass to you guys and say... "With this kind of love, I'm ready for that baby train to start a moving."

    ReplyDelete
  2. The baby train still needs some capital to get moving. Check back in 2011.

    ReplyDelete
  3. haha. sounds good.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awh... happy anniversary, friend.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Graydon10:24 PM

    Awesome words from both of you...congratulations on the first year of marriage!

    ReplyDelete

You are the reason why I do not write privately. I would love to hear your thoughts, whether you agree or not.