I will (Monday, July 10, 2006)

When I was 14 I went to church for high schoolers and then after service, a few of us would go to "big church", the service for adults, and sit in on it as well. I really only went to big church because I liked the girls I was going with. _Never the less, other than the goodness I received by merely being in church and having a sermon being spoken, I also picked this up: I can't remember who had it, but it was printed out and when I saw it, I asked to see it. Well, after I finished reading it, I remember thinking that it was one of the most beautiful writings on relationships. So beautiful in fact that I immediately opened my Bible to the page that has the "Certificate of Marriage", next to the "Deaths" and "Births" and copied it directly in there. Matter of fact, I don't believe there has ever been a time that I have turned to that page and read it, that I haven't still found it to be one of the most beautiful writings on relationships.
But today I picked up my Bible, a Bible I received when I was 13, and one that I don't particularly use as my primary Bible, and accidentally turned to the "Certificate of Marriage" page. Perhaps it's been a year since I've glanced at the page, perhaps it's been two since I've actually read it and thought it was beautiful. But today was different. Of course I'm different than I was a year ago. We all are. But I suppose it's all about context.
It so happens that my experience of being 25 is one that surrounds me with couples. And I actually really like that. Because it's a very healthy thing to be in a relationship(a healthy one of course.) And having love around you is wonderful too. Particularly when the relationships that surround me are overwhelmingly great examples to me of what healthy relationships are.
I thank God for Tony and Carrie and how throughout their relationship they have taken God seriously and have demonstrated to me qualities like dedication, humility, grace, serving one another, trust in God's word regarding their relationship and discipline.
I thank God for Ryan and Jessie. How they learn each other. How they go throw the corners of each other and chew on the details. I love how they are together, just being, cause I can really relate to that satisfaction of just being, together.
Ryan, Tony and I have wonderful conversations about all sorts of things, but as men who strive to stand for wisdom, truth and faithfully follow God's word, the topic of love and relationships is thick with enthusiasm and curiosity. We're eager to know what the other thinks because we all admire and trust one another's faith and discernment.
I don't think I've ever shared this with anyone, not in 12 years of having it. And it a shame cause I love it so. So now I will share it with everyone. Without further ado, I present to you something simple, something Biblical, something timely, something eternal and something wise. I believe if a man takes to heart these principles, he will have a companion who will love him faithfully and fully, someone who will always by his side, a wife who is satisfied and fulfilled by his love and admiration for her, a woman who never doubts for a second how her husband feels for her and a lifetime of nothing but tears of joy shed over all the bounty a man will receive through this love that will be passed on to his children and all over those who encounter that which he and his wife share.

-I will:
-be a Godly leader
-be a gentle lover
-be a romantic servant
-commit to times together in the Word and in prayer
-direct her to you, Lord
-be an inspirational challenger
-be a fun and joyful companion
-create special memories
-be an understanding and sensitive listener
-minister to her with special preference doing it will all my heart and efforts
-be a compassionate life for her to feel safe with
-protect her spiritually with my prayers and physically with my life

Because "she is more precious than riches and more vauable than jewels." Proverbs 31:10