Andy and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary last Thursday. It was a good time of relaxing and reconnecting and eating great food - really, the only things required for a good anniversary. I came across a quote once - I think from either Spurgeon or Luther - discussing how old wine is better than new wine, and it's no coincidence that Christ turned water into fine, 'well seasoned' wine at a marriage feast for His first miracle.
The point was that, though we are tempted to think the first excitement of being married is the best, in reality it is but new and weak. After age, experience, and some good seasoning, the best wine and the best marriage emerges many years later. I never thought the honeymoon phase would fade, but I don't think anyone does. The temptation from a worldly perspective is to mourn the loss of new experiences, crazy emotions, and excitement. Yet, such is always the call of sin and worldliness - the constant search for the "new" as the source of satisfaction, be it a new car, new iphone, new country of residence, or new companion.
But, as Andy and I were relaxing and watching Finding Nemo (which was our first unofficial date at the Marysville Theater in Summer of 2003), I realized how much I like this. I don't miss the awkwardness of the first year as we would stare at each other and wonder who we had married. I like being able to finish Andy's sentences and know (sometimes) his desire or thoughts before he speaks them. I love understanding more of his character so I can pray more specifically and encourage and minister to him more effectively. I like that we have discovered most of the quirks and can laugh about them, and I rejoice that God has made us ever more like-minded (though still so unique!), and the epic theology "discussions" have diminished to be replaced by calmer, more profitable conversations.
The bond of a husband and wife and the fight and commitment towards cultivating a relationship that reflects Christ and His Bride is of paramount importance. It is no surprise Satan attacks marriages so tirelessly, and no small indictment against our society that many Christian marriages fold. Yet, Christ did perform His first miracle at a Wedding, and for those Christian marriage that thrive and shine brightly in this dark world after one, ten, and fifty years, He performs miracles still. As I told my good friend Holly who is getting married in a week, becoming one flesh is instant and yet a lifelong process. We are constantly being woven closer together just as Christ is making us ever more into His image.
I so love Andy, and I enjoy remembering the look on his face when I was walking up the aisle. I cherish the truth that that moment is a flawed, dark picture of Christ's anticipation to welcome us as His bride, and the face that will be expectantly waiting for us when our time of being single pilgrims is over. Merian turned three months about when we celebrated four years, and I love how much God grows a marriage with children. She is trying to sit on her own, roll over, and stand. She is talking more and grabbing things - including my hair (which, incidentally, is falling out. I might be as bald as she is soon). He is faithful to grow and develop her, which is easy to see with all the changes over a short amount of time. I must trust He is just as faithfully growing Andy and me, strengthening our marriage, teaching us, molding us.
Just as we remember Jesus is better, so too is the place we are in right now better than any other, because we are closer to being with our Savior, we are (hopefully!) more sanctified, and this is right where He wants us.
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