What being married really means

They had lots of photos taken on their wedding day, I'm sure. But in a disposable culture, where permanence is rarely valued and we rush instead to the newest fads, trends, sensations...how often do we pause and notice the beauty of long-married love? I was blessed by the chance today to take photos of dear friends. This couple, with their two children, are in the final stages of preparation to adopt. If I had been looking through the lens years ago at their wedding, I would have seen excitement, anticipation, uncertainty, maybe even a hint of shyness or reserve. What I saw tonight is love that has blossomed to full bloom: humor, understanding, oneness, desire, sacrifice, respect, treasure, all rolled into a beautiful example of what God meant married love to be.

I think we should celebrate the great married couples we know more often! And not just on anniversaries. Just pause and notice the beauty of that wonderful, blessed, God-ordained relationship next time you see it displayed in full bloom.

Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine
with a happy heart, for God approves of this!
Live happily with the woman you love
through all the meaningless days of life
that God has given you under the sun.
The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.
Whatever you do, do well.
For when you go to the grave, there will be no
work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
~ Ecclesiastes 9:7, 9-10 ~