18 and Counting

18 and Counting

Every once in a while, life slows down just enough for you to gather a few minutes to think about all that God has done in your life.

On May 18th, Amy and I celebrated 18 years of marriage. Yes, 18. I know, crazy. But it really has been that long. People often say, It feels like it was yesterday... I don't know about all of that, but I do sometimes wonder where the time has gone? It may not feel like yesterday, but it doesn't always feel like 18 years.

God has truly blessed our marriage and our family. Along with 18 years of marriage, He has seen fit to bless us with 5 amazing kids. We have been fortunate to have been able to serve for over 15 years in full-time ministry as youth workers. Today we shepherd our own church.

We have experienced our ups and downs. From financial struggles the loss of loved ones to the pain of two miscarriages, to the joy of wonderful friendships and countless family memories of this wonderful adventure we are on, God has been a constant presence in our lives. His faithfulness rings as loud as the truth of His Word. No matter the road we crossed He was there to cross it with us.

As I meet with young couples looking to start a new life together as husband and wife, I can't help but stress how crucial it is to begin that new phase of their relationship with God as their center. More then just a foundation, God must be an active part of the relationship. It's in relying on Him to be your source of joy, contentment, hope, and pleasure that you find the real intimacy of a marital relationship.

18 years. Every one better than the one before. More in love. More passionate. More intimate. More God. And isn't that what it's really all about? More God.

So to my beautiful and amazing wife, thank you for sharing these last 18 years of marriage with me. I can't wait to see what the next 18 and counting will look like?

- jay