11 Months Later

This picture was taken 11 months ago on our wedding day. It captures the mutual delight between James and I. Although many people joked that our 'honeymoon' stage would inevitably come to an end, 11 months later...after moving to Wheaton, starting new jobs, graduate school, adjusting to the 'unique' rhythm of Residence Life, and immersing ourselves in a new community...walking out 3 of the 4 top stressors....the delight that I have for James has only deepened. The face of God in James is steadfast, passionate, the fullness of joy, a lover of people, strength manifested in meekness, and a deep wealth of wisdom to name just a few. I am grateful that each day, I encounter the face of God in James in new and profound ways.

Jean Vanier's words describe our 11 month journey best:

“We are called to an even greater love, to become one with each other.

This is something totally new, it is an openness and tenderness to one another,

That flows from the deepening transformation of God.

Together, one in God, because God is in the other.

This is the friendship of lovers, when the bride and bridegroom become one,

And together giving themselves to God and others.

In love each one is unique and precious;

Each one has his or her own place;

Each one receives and each one gives;

Each one has a grateful heart;

There are no more barriers

Each delights in the other;

Each is a delight for the other;

Because in each one is seen the face of God."

Vanier defines love as "revealing to someone his or her own beauty." How do you see the face of God in your spouse, closest friends, or family members? Marriage has invited me to fully embrace the transformative power of living life out loud, in the daily presence of another, graciously accepting a 'this is me' perspective, sharing my brokenness and accepting the love, forgiveness, and communion that can only be found in the presence of another. The picture above illustrates our posture in marriage- we have chosen to approach life together, face to face, with strength and in love, as we pass through the joyful and painful moments that life throws at us. Life tries it best to divide us, but 11 months later, we still stand, together, face to face, recognizing the face of God in the other, grateful for the fullness of grace that God has poured out on our marriage.