happy anniversary... let's love love love one another!

Today is the hubs and my anniversary. Yes, many years ago we tied the knot in a little church in the North Chicago suburbs. When I think back to that time, I'm overwhelmed by how many blessings and trials the Lord has brought us through, and how He has remained faithful to us no matter what the season. It is astounding to think of how quickly the time has passed and how we are blessed to celebrate another anniversary together.

Whenever I reminisce about my wedding day, I remember all the events that took place in advance of the ceremony...

I remember the day Chuck and I met and the months of dating that followed.
I remember his romantic and nervous proposal.
I remember feeling a little scared to claim someone other than myself as head of household since I had been accustomed to living on my own and taking care of myself.
I remember trying to plan the ceremony and reception around the legalism and liberalism that existed between different family members and guests.
I remember all the preparations and details such as what color and fabric my bridesmaid's dresses would be... what our cake and flowers would look like... who would sit together at the reception... how many guests would actually attend... the list goes on and on.
I remember we didn't have a lot of money and were trying to save for our first house, so we became creative in finding beautiful yet economical solutions to keep the sticker shock of the nuptials to a minimum.
I remember being excited to take on Chuck's name as my own.
And, I remember how in love and excited we were during our rehearsal - relaxed and filled with the anticipation of officially being married and claiming one another as husband and wife that next morning.

In parallel, I wonder what Heaven will look like the night before Christ returns to claim His bride, the church.  I can only imagine the joy that awaits His people - those who have accepted Jesus' proposal to take on His Name as their own. I can hardly sit still as I try to imagine the colors, the music, the splendor that we will enjoy together at His table. Think of all the details He has personally taken on in preparation of the glorious ceremony and the reception that will soon become our eternal reality. When I look at this world and take in His extraordinary creativity, I can't even fathom what our future with Him will be like... for you know He will spare no expense! You know it will be His very best for us! Oh the joy!!! For in Christ Jesus, no man, no principality may put asunder or separate us from the love of our King Husband!  What a glorious wedding day we will enjoy together!

"The blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, is one of the great bonds of union given to God's church throughout the ages. He shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at in all them that believed. Then, we will all meet, and the unity of the body of Christ will be seen in its divine glory. It will be the meeting place and the triumph of divine love. Jesus receiving His own and presenting them to the Father. His own meeting Him and worshiping, in speechless love, that blessed face. His own meeting each other in the ecstasy of God's own love. Let us wait, long for, and love the appearing of our Lord and heavenly Bridegroom. Tender love to Him and tender love to each other is the true and only bridal spirit." ~Andrew Murray

Today, I am giddy over the many years of love and laughter shared with my husband, Chuck.  We agree that each moment of our marriage represents the love of our great God.  Truly, I am in awe that the Lord would provide us the privilege of sharing this union - thankfully under the guidance of His grace.  Yes, we are human... and, as such, imperfect... but with Jesus as our Lord, our future is secure.  Our hope is assured.  Our life will know His true love love love forever!  Yippee!!

Ladies, I hope that you are as anxious as I am to be joined hand-in-hand with the Lord.  I hope you also are deeply in love with Him, living your life expressing that love in unrestrained excitement to see His face and worship His glory. I hope that in Christ you are relaxed and filled with the anticipation of officially being united in His presence... for the Morning, the Day Spring, is indeed coming!

This rehearsal on earth will soon be a memory. Our wedding day with Him is coming!  So today... everyday, rejoice with me in knowing that each eternal instant in His loving arms will be an anniversary for us to give Him all glory again and again. We will be blessed to celebrate our salvation and redemption together with our perfect Head of Household, the Lover of Our Soul, our Prince Charming of Peace.... sweet, sweet Jesus.

Precious King, thank you for your love. Come, Lord Jesus... come!

Until that day, let's continue to love one another in His honor.  Let's give ourselves freely and in service to our families, always glorifying the Lord for His good.  Everyday together is a gift in His Name.  Every single day matters.  This is indeed the opportunity to LOVE LOVE LOVE one another as we represent His Kingdom!  WOO HOO!

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)

Blessings!

P.S. I love you sooooo much, Chuck!!!  Happy Anniversary!  XOXO!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson