“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17)
God is the giver of all gifts–all good, but some incredibly precious. I am acutely aware of this today as my wife and I celebrate our 30th anniversary. I am so thankful to God for Christie and his kindness to us both.
Marriage is a gift to humanity. God intends for marriage to be a blessing, and he uses it to provide the intimate context and structure for a family and the couple’s happiness and flourishing. Even more, we Christians know that God uses marriage to powerfully portray the reality of Christ’s eternal relationship with his bride, the church (Ephesians 5:22–27). Marriage is not only significant, it’s special. In countless ways, I’ve seen our marriage reflect this divine picture of Christ’s love for the church—sacrificial, forgiving, and enduring.
This beautiful design of marriage has been the backdrop for our own story, one that began when Christie and I married at just 18 years old. And, neither of us were Christians. All we knew was that we loved each other and wanted to be together. We got married and began a wonderful life together. The Lord was faithful to grant our desire, caring for us, and providing for us at every step of the way. Even more, his grace abounded as he pursued us, revealing Christ through the Gospel and bringing us to faith. The Lord has blessed us with six wonderful children and two grandchildren in these thirty years. We are beyond astounded at his kindness to us.
Looking back on three decades, I’m floored by God’s kindness in allowing me the privilege of being married to Christie. I love and admire her deeply. She is an amazing woman and faithful sister in the Lord Jesus.
Her decision to homeschool our children for 25 years and her quiet encouragement during ministry challenges reveal the depth of her Christlike love and commitment. I remember with fondness and joy seasons Christie balanced homeschooling our children and encouraging me in ministry. I remember many times feeling discouraged, and she’d stop what she was doing, get her bearings, remind me of the truth of God’s Word, and encourage me to trust the Lord and do the next right thing. It was like she was standing amid a hurricane of activity, yet she could remember and reference truth from God’s Word that was perfect for the moment. This unwavering trust in God’s Word is just one example of the steady faith Christie brings to our marriage, shaping me and our family. She is truly a daily reminder of the gospel to me.
Spending time with Christie daily is the highlight of my life. I love watching her creativity in action, hearing her tell stories, or listening to what she’s discovering in God’s Word. I love simple times together, like drinking a cup of coffee, working together on a project, or persevering through the present trial–all is joy with Christie by my side. Her laugh, smile, and presence–I’m so grateful to God for his astounding gift to me.
Through these years, God has used Christie’s steadfastness and faith to sharpen me, making me more like Christ. Her patience, encouragement, and quiet trust in God have challenged me to lead with humility and love. I’ve watched her transform over these 30 years from a seedling of a Christian to an oak.
Our marriage has been a gift not only because of the love and joy we’ve shared but because it continually points us to the love of Christ for his bride.
As Christie and I look forward to many more years together, I am reminded of God’s unfailing kindness and grace in every season of life. It’s my hope and earnest prayer that God will grant us many more years walking together toward the Celestial City, serving Christ, and enjoying life with one another. I pray that our story might inspire you to reflect on the good gifts in your life and trust the Giver of all good things, who never changes and whose gifts express his kindness and love.
