9 years and counting...

Josh & Moriah - June 19, 2004
Nine years ago I was within shouting distance of married life. I was enjoying my final day as a single man, thinking back on almost five years of dating and looking forward to who knows what. I knew who I was marrying and what I hoped to do, but the rest of what my life would become was just potential. I knew nothing of the joys or trials that would come. I didn't know that my appendix would rupture, my wife's job would fall through, or that I would be entering the ministry within just a few months. I couldn't have imagined that in a few years we would be the parents of three beautiful children.

As I look back on the past nine years of marriage I can't help but be amazed at what God has done. Throughout all the job changes, moves, births, deaths, and everything in between, God has completely taken care of us. There have been moments where I have doubted, but never a second where we weren't firmly in God's sovereign hand.

I have no idea how much time I have left with my beautiful bride. I don't know if it is months, years, or decades. I don't know who I will welcome into this world next or who I will bury. I don't know where I will live or work one year from now much less ten or twenty. Sure, I have hopes and dreams regarding these unknowns. I would love it if this next home in Tennessee would be the one we are in for the rest of our lives. I would love to see my daughters grow up into godly women. But those things aren't mine to worry about. All of those unknowns are known to God. If there is one thing I will bring from these past nine years of marriage into the next, it is to trust God at all times. Scripture records this well in Proverbs where we read, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Throughout all the unknowns it has been amazing to have my wife, Moriah, by my side. She is my support, my help-mate, my better half, my best friend, the completion of who I am. As we have grown closer to one another we have been drawn closer to God as well, which is how a good marriage should be. Whatever God brings our way, I'm thankful that He has given me such a wonderful woman to share this journey.

I love you Moriah. Happy anniversary!

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