This really isn't an epiphany, but it is something I wanted to share. I recently married the first boy I ever loved. God brought him into my life, and I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt. We decided to write our own vows to one another. I wanted to share the vows he wrote to me.
You may wonder why I would want to share them on here. I want to express to the world the kind of man I married. I want to honor him the way he deserves to be honored. He is truly the best man I know, and I think there are young men out there who need an example to follow; here is your example. Be the kind of man who says these words and lives these words...
My Dearest Schledia,
It's hard to put into words how I really feel. My mother used to tell me to be nice to little girls because they'll soon grow up. How could I have known that little girl would turn out to be you.
When God orchestrated our meeting again after all these years, I had no idea of what was about to happen in our lives. As a friend you have become my very best. I've witnessed things in you that have endeared me to you like no other before. I've watched you sacrifice for those that you love as well as shed tears for burdens and loss that were not your own. I've seen you remain a faithful friend to people that turned their back on you and stand strong in your faith as the enemy fired arrows of spite and malice to try and crush your spirit.
And though I wasn't a broken vessel when you found me, God readily used you to strengthen and create in me a better man, filling a part of my life that I didn't even realize was desolate.
I adore the way your hands fit into mine and the way you look into my eyes as if you're watching the sunset for the first time in your life. It makes me feel like I'm the only man that has ever known love this pure. When we're apart I feel anxious, lovesick, even heartbroken (and that's just when you go to pick up the children from school).
It's because of this that I give myself, all that I am and all that I will become, to you. Wholeheartedly.
I vow that honesty, faithfulness, and love will be my gift to you every day of our lives, without fail.
I vow to continue to make Christ the center of our lives, putting you and our children ever before myself.
I vow to show our daughters the standard to hold young men to in the way that I love and honor you.
I also vow to be the example for our sons to follow in being a loving husband, father, and most importantly a humble servant of Christ.
I promise to listen at least half as much as I talk and to be mindful of your needs as well as your heart's desire.
Pinky, you've told me so many times that I have always been the man of your dreams. You've told me that you prayed for me at different times through the years when God would lay me on your heart. I truly believe that God has preserved me through all of my failures and trials and mistakes to create in me the man that stands here with you today...God's gift to you.
So, I take you, Schledia Phillips, to be my wife. I love you with all my heart, and I know that you are the one God made for me.
