So they are no
longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one
separate.
- Matthew 19:6 (NIV)
In July of 2015, my amazing
husband was ordained to perform weddings. Eight years later, in June 2023, I
completed my training as a Christian Wedding Officiant and was ordained as
well. This ministry has become such a meaningful part of our lives, and this
past weekend was a beautiful reminder of why we said yes to this calling.
We traveled 24 hours round trip—12 hours each way—to officiate the wedding of
two very dear friends. The weather was perfect, the venue was stunning, and
everything unfolded just as planned. The ceremony was filled with joy, tears,
and the unmistakable presence of God. What an honor it was to stand beside them
as they made their covenant before Him.
At the reception, the DJ invited all married couples to the dance floor for the
“Anniversary Dance.” One by one, couples were asked to step off the floor based
on how long they’d been married: less than 24 hours (the bride and groom exited,
laughing), less than 5 years, 10 years, 15, and so on. My husband and I made
our exit at 25-30 years, and the countdown
continued—35, 40, 45, 50, and 55.
I was deeply moved to see how many couples were still dancing after 45 years of
marriage. The final couple standing had been married for 56 years and will
celebrate their next anniversary the weekend of October 11th. What a beautiful
testimony of lifelong love and faithfulness.
The secret to lasting love? It's not really a secret at all—it's God. The bride
and groom beautifully symbolized this truth during their unity ceremonies.
First, they poured three colors of sand into a heart-shaped vessel—each color
representing the bride, the groom, and God. Then, they braided three strands
together in a cord, representing the same powerful truth: "Though
one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is
not quickly broken." —
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)
This verse reminds us that
marriage was never meant to be done in our own strength. When God is at the
center—when He is the third strand—our marriages are stronger, more resilient,
and filled with purpose.
As Christian couples, we must continue to invite God into our marriages—through
prayer, worship, and the daily choice to serve one another in love. Attending
church together, reading Scripture, and speaking life into one another are all
ways we keep that third strand strong.
May we strive not just for long marriages, but for godly ones—marriages that
reflect Christ’s love, that endure through every season, and that glorify Him
every step of the way.
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