Love is Grand. It's Grand in the beginning stages. It's Grand in that first year of marriage. It's Grand as you approach 5 years of marriage. I can only imagine how grand it is 10, 20, 30, 50 years down the line. No wonder God says the greatest of these is Love.
I attended a wedding this weekend. Not only did I attend it, I was in it. And going to a wedding as a married person has added benefits. You see, I took the vows. I stood in front of Trei, and a room of people we love and I vowed to love, honor, and cherish. I promised to do this in sickness and in health. In the good times and in the bad. For richer or poorer. And I sealed them with a kiss. And these vows, they weren't just words. They were a contract. A commitment. A promise. They had meaning, and intention, and were from the deepest part of my heart. So weddings, they are a reminder of your own special day. And there is this unexpected feeling that rises up in you. A feeling of intense love for your own spouse.
It had been 8 days since I had last seen Trei. I was in Southern California visiting m family, working, and doing wedding stuff. He was in Reno, working, like a hard worker :) And suddenly, I saw him from the window of the bridal suite, and I was nervous. I was giddy like a little school girl. He looked so handsome in this shirt and tie. I just wanted to run out and kiss him - but I couldn't. The wedding was going to begin and I had to walk down the aisle. When it was time, I nervously walked, looking for him in the crowd, and immediately felt at ease as soon as we locked eyes and he smiled. Well, as much at ease as I could considering my knees were knocking the whole time I was standing in the front. As I listened closely to the words Darren and Kayli spoke to eachother, my heart began to burst and my eyes welled up with tears. I was excited for the two of them, because I knew what crazy wonderful times they had ahead of them. But I was also overcome with an immense pride. These past 4 years and 9 months have been more than I could have ever hoped for. Even as Trei and I tread in unknown territories, and as we perservere in probably the most difficult time our marriage has seen - we are still married. We still kiss, hold hands, make love, and laugh. We still cheer eachother on, and know how to forgive. We don't hold grudges, and when we fight, we make up. We have endured almost 5 years of sickness and health, good times and bad, riches and flat brokeness, and two kids (which aren't part of the vows, but should be!!!) All the while loving, honoring, and cherishing. And that makes me proud. Because we've worked hard at love. We've worked hard at keeping those vows, and remaining committed to eachother and our family. We've worked hard at love. And the love just keeps getting better and better. You know how they say you never appreciate what you didn't have to work hard for? I'm sure Trei will agree with me, that we appreciate our love - because we've worked hard to make it as meaningful and glorious and breathtakingly beautiful as it is.
...and so love is Grand. And weddings, where two people promise to dedicate their lives to loving eachother are also Grand.
...and you know what else is grand? That the man I first met almost 7 years ago, who has been my best friend ever since, can still make me weak in the knees. That is Grand!!
Love, Me
I love this! You are so right about it all.
Posted by: Alison | June 17, 2009 at 04:58 PM
This is beautiful. I love your words. I have to say that marriage, love, and relationship with a person's chosen one is priceless and worth ALL it's hardships. It's wonderful to know you are so happy, and wonderful to be able to relate to your joy :)
Posted by: HARMONY | June 21, 2009 at 09:12 PM
I got sooo sentimental during the vows at my brother's wedding! I made it a point after that to rev up the romance in our relationship and be kinder to my husband... and wouldn't you know, that night our baby was conceived =) Nothing like a wedding to remind you to "have and to hold..." "love and treasure..." Great post! Very sweet =)
Posted by: Erin | June 21, 2009 at 10:04 PM
It would be awesome if you could make it out here by the end of summer! Keep me posted :)
Posted by: Melissa | June 23, 2009 at 10:14 AM
miss you too!
Posted by: Melissa | June 28, 2009 at 10:36 PM
How have I missed this blog???
You are the sweetest! Trei is a lucky man =)
Posted by: Nicki B | July 08, 2009 at 07:20 PM