Eight years ago, my best friend gave me one of the most treasured gifts that I have ever received. She gave me her trust and love and permission to spend the rest of our lives together.
Little did we know what would lie ahead on that sunny and beautiful December afternoon, but as I hugged her for probably the millionth time and kissed her for the first time, I knew that God had blessed me with the most wonderful woman that I could possibly have. And she just came into my life in the most unexpected way.
We went from being friends to close friends who would have one or two hour talks after church events. We went from being pals who would high-five each other after our beloved Denver Broncos won to people who were passionate about enjoying such entertainment, but placing no eternal value or hope in it. She went from being my friend's older sister to the woman I was crazy about and wanted to be with. It scared me so much that I asked God to take away the feeling if it wasn't from Him. God kept that feeling right there.
Because of the stringent times and setting in which we started dating, I felt like I had to fight hard and prove myself as a man worthy enough for Pam, and fight I did. I would do it all over again. But once I was given the okay to start dating her, I knew that we were meant to be married--I probably knew that before.
And as we stood on that hillside eight years ago, we probably didn't have to imagine how much of a fight it is to love in the context of marriage. Don't get me wrong, my wife if ultra lovable. The problem is that, by nature, I am full of self-loving, and the self absorption often causes me to miss out on the opportunities to love the people and things that are worthy of love.
Pam and I had no idea what would come our way in our first seven years of marriage, the challenges as well as the victories, the hardships as well as the joys. My wife has seen me, often times, at my darkest and most miserable. That hasn't been fair for her. All she has ever done is show me unconditional love and loyal trust in times where I want to or do, in fact, give in. She has fought for me.
Pammy, I hope that I have fought for you. I will continue to fight to be a man worthy of such a beautiful treasure. All of the struggle we have endured this year has been worth it because you have been there with me through all of it as the Lord carries us onward. Thank you for loving me no matter what. Thank you for doing me good and not evil. Thank you for the love you pour out on me, our kids, and all of the other people with whom you come into contact.
You are Proverbs 31 in beautiful progress.
You have touched so many lives. I am the man who is blessed to call you my one and only, and by the strength and grace of God, I will fight to treasure you the way that He does.
