Lord Jesus, on May 5th, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French forces at the Battle of Puebla—the origin of what we now call, Cinco de Mayo. And on May 5th, 1972, a “grace-war” began—your tenacious commitment to defeat unbelief in our hearts, and pour the Gospel into our hearts and brand-new marriage. 52 years later, you’re still at it. Hallelujah, and thank you.
On our first Cinco de Mayo, Darlene and I understood so little about many things, but we were especially deficient in being alive to the riches of your grace, the daily-ness of your mercies and the lavishness of your love. We were also naïve, clueless, and indifferent about the wounds and brokenness we brought into our marriage. In your perfect timing that changed, and your grace, kindness, and love became our oxygen, bread, and hope.
Thank you for rescuing us from the notion that if we “married the right person” it would be easy and enough. Thank you for mentors and models who helped us understand there’s only one perfect spouse in our marriage—you, Jesus, our ultimate and eternal Spouse. Thank you for freeing us from trying to be the 4th member of the Trinity in each other’s lives. Thank you that we can now weep together and rejoice together—be weak together and hope together—repent quicker and encourage more. Thank you for friends and couples we get to walk with now who are just as grace-needy and dependent on you as we are.
One day, one of us will commit the other to the earth and into your presence. Until that day, continue to pour more and more of your grace, gentleness, and kindness into our hearts and marriage. Keep freeing us, growing us, and using us to your glory. Jesus. Thank you, and So Very Amen.
