We were married three years ago today. We were very aware and intentional of the people we asked to participate in the day. From the couple who prepared our communion to our bridal party, we were blessed to be surrounded by loved ones. Patrick’s sister read scripture. Our closest friends and their spouses served communion. My brother began the ceremony with a greeting. And my dad married us. One part of our ceremony that I will forever treasure is my grandpa’s prayer which he later framed and gifted to us:

Father,

Patrick and Ashley, whom you love so very much have made public their vows and commitment to You and to one another. Guard and help them keep these sacred and beautiful vows. Guide them with your wisdom in their daily lives. May they realize with each passing day the purpose of their union, that Christ be glorified by the quality of of their lives now merged into one flesh. Now their joys are doubled since the happiness of one is the happiness of the other. Their burdens now are halved since when they share them, they divide the load. As they face the future as husband and wife, give them both enough tears to keep them tender, enough hurts to keep them human, enough failures to keep them clenched tightly in Christ’s hands, and enough success to make them sure they walk with God. May they never take each other’s love for granted, but always experience that breathless wonder that exclaims “out of all the world you have chosen me.” May they serve You happily. This we ask through Jesus Christ, great lover of our souls.

Amen.

I’m remembering our wedding day, this prayer, and all the moments since then. I’m remembering the small details, the spontaneous trips, and even the obstacles. I’m already seeing how this prayer played out in our lives. We have shed tears. We have seen hardships. But we’ve seen joy and times of thanksgiving too. And I am so very thankful for the man that I married and for all the things we are three years later.