The last few minutes just closed out the celebration of our twentieth anniversary in marriage. It’s been a rich day, slow and full of rest. As I close out this anniversary night, I’m reminded in an unexpected way to be grateful not only for my own marriage but to pray for those who have suffered lost.
This post from a young brother named Jordan Rice touched me. Here’s how he opens:
Two years ago today (Aug. 22nd), God gave me a faith-filled, gorgeous, brilliant woman as my wife. Danielle. A virgin on our wedding night and the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I was literally the happiest guy in the world and at that time 2 years ago, I never could have imagined in a million years that I’d be where I am today. Instead of a vacation or a celebratory dinner to celebrate our anniversary, I’m on my way to the cemetery to mourn my wife’s passing.
But today I’m blessed in my mourning. No, this isn’t some denial of the pain associated with grief, because truth be told today is one of the worst and most painful moments I’ve ever lived through. Losing Danielle is a pain so deep and enduring, I would have preferred having my arms ripped off. Nevertheless, faith and pain can and do co-exist very nicely.
Read the entire post for a short meditation on faith and hope in the midst of suffering and lost.
So, I’m going to bed tonight praising God for my Kristie and remembering those like Jordan who know deep loss along with deep faith, and those who fight the good fight of faith where there spouses are concerned. “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” The Lord be with us all.
