- Morning Devotional
- December 21,
2005
"36 Years Ago"
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Yes, compared to other women, my beloved is like a lily among thorns. (Song of Solomon 2:2 NLT).
Today, I have taking a point of personal privilege. I often use examples from my personal life, but today I want to elaborate a little. Thirty-six years ago, one bright afternoon in the cool crisp air of a central Texas winter afternoon, Mary and I made our vows to one another at the First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas. Though my memory is certainly not as good as hers with details, there is one I can remember as if it were yesterday.
The church was filled with friends and relatives from both families. Of course, mine arrived and looked like the mafia had come to town! I suppose there may be more truth than fiction in that statement, but then, that’s another story altogether! I was positioned at the altar standing beside Bailey Stone, then pastor of the church. The doors were closed at the rear of the sanctuary and I had not seen Mary in her wedding gown prior to the ceremony. The march began to play and the attendants made their way slowly down the aisle. When the trumpets sounded, Mary and her dad stepped into the doorway. Bailey leaned over to me and whispered, “This will be a moment that you never forget.” It is advice that I have repeated to many grooms over the years. He was right. There she stood, arm in arm with her dad, hair up, and the most beautiful picture imaginable. It was a moment like no other. She was indeed a “lily among thorns.”
There have been other moments though. I remember that moment when I saw her walk across the room in our little apartment in Nacogdoches, Texas when I knew she was pregnant with our first son. She didn’t think so, but I just knew. Later, even when she felt that she was “ugly” having gained a lot of weight carrying the baby, I knew she was never more beautiful. There would be two other such times in our lives. Our other sons gave her a glow that is unmatched in any other circumstance. Again, she was a “lily among thorns.”
But, that is not the end of the story either. Today, thirty-six years later, with a little age showing on her, and a lot on me, I find that that she is more beautiful than ever before. The greatest of beauty comes from a deep well of faith and hope. Even when I have not been all that I could or should have been, she has been that solid point of rest for me. Others may have seen me as the strength of our family, however without her I could never have managed at all. Today, she is still that “lily among thorns.” Happy Anniversary, Mary!
To those of you who have endured this little personal note, my encouragement to you is to take a moment and count your blessings with your spouse. Tell them of your love. For some this will be difficult as you are either single or in a difficult relationship. Please know that I pray for you and that God knows your circumstance and desires to be your partner in life right now. Turn to him in this hour.
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