Pure Love

Love is patient and kind

Love does not envy or boast

It is not arrogant or rude

It does not insist on its own way

It is not irritable or resentful

It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth

Love bears all things

believes all things

hopes all things

endures all things

Love never ends.

I had the great privilege of attending a wedding early this summer.  I've known the bride since we were teenagers.  And I've watched her life unfold as we became adults.  She has had many of the joys and sorrows we all have, except one thing. The thing. The dream she's had and desired since she was a girl.  This thing she's wanted her entire life ~ a mate.  Not just any man would do.  She had standards, not the least of which was someone who had a living, abiding relationship with her Lord and Savior.  A man's man.  Her own hero.

This summer she married him.  They were both so happy.  There was pure joy ~ something I haven't witnessed in a long time.  The kind of joy that gives you a glimpse of what every moment will be like when we are in His presence.

I don't know the groom really.  Only what I've been told ~ and what I observed.  He loves her.  Chachi loves Joanie.  You know what I'm saying? It's evident and real.  I am so happy for both of them. For the family they have formed. For the life they have to live.

My friend, the bride - she never lost her faith in God.  In her years, as each of her friends were married.  As her sister and brother married and had children of their own.  She made a choice not to wallow.  She trusted Him fully with her hopes and dreams.  She lived her days - honest with herself, her family and her Lord.  The focus was never really about herself, but always about her God.  If she could honor and serve God with her life ~ if she could bless those around her and further the Kingdom of God ~ she counted it a day well lived.  There's more of that coming for her, for this family.

It's a beautiful thing to have witnessed this union.  May God the Father bless them with years of joy and peace as they continue their abiding relationship with Him and as they honor Him with their lives.