My son is getting married this summer and we are in the midst of wedding excitement. The girls are to be junior bridesmaids, so their dresses have to be made, and they are constantly discussing shoes and jewelry and hair. And that is nothing compared to the anticipation and preparations of the bride and her mom! What a beautiful picture of marriage when the day culminates in the vows and exchange of rings and a new couple is announced to the world.
My good friend is seriously ill. She has been married many years--probably 30 something. When I visited her a few days ago, her biggest concern was not for herself but for her beloved husband. She was worried he is doing too much and not taking care of himself. She spoke of his total devotion to her in her time of need, his vigilance in never leaving her side. The endless, sleepless nights they shared, his attending to her every need. She said, "In sickness and in health..." Yet, his gift was overwhelming and amazing to her. What an honorable man! What an even more beautiful picture of marriage.
I found out a woman in our church will have surgery this week--a kidney transplant. The donor is her husband. What a sacrifice. He is risking his own health to give life to his wife. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for her." (Ephesians 5:25) This is the mystery of marriage.
My son and his new wife will have a joyous wedding day in July, and they will share many other celebrations in their married life. Unfortunately, they may share pain too, and they will be called to sacrifice for each other. It is not to be grieved though. It is a high calling. Jesus said there is no greater love than to lay down your life for another.
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