A Love Story.

February 14th -- the day of too big of teddy bears, roses up the wazoo, awesome Star Wars valentines, an excuse to wear a giant pink bow in your hair all day long -- the day of love. 

It also happens to be my parents' anniversary.  Now, before you go gawking on how ridiculously cheesy and cliché this is, I will have you know that only I hold the rights to remind them of this, as their child and because I care for their well-being.  And as I may never understand what they were thinking  (blame it on the young love), I do in fact understand that 25 years of marriage means something...it means a lot things. 

I can say first hand that I have seen it all when it comes to marriage, well, at least in regards to my parents.  Love, anger, fear, vulnerability, joy,  desperation, contentment, pain, patience...and a lack there of, sacrifice, Jesus -- it is all there.  I have seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and the uglier.  It almost seems unpredictable at times.  I often wonder how they can still love each other after all these years.

But that is what makes it so beautiful.

Because their marriage is ordained and designed by God Himself, with His strength, all things are possible...even an, at times, impossible marriage.  I see their love manifested in so many ways -- their attention to detail in each others lives, their willingness to put their happiness on hold for the sake of tough love, through me and their family…

For their constant strive to grow and live for Christ.

I once asked my mom how she knew my dad was the one.  She told me that even before they started dating, she knew he was the man that God had created to be her husband, partner in life, and best friend.  And from that day on, I knew I wanted nothing less than what God has planned for me, just as the life that my parents continue to live.

So these words that I am writing, on this day of love that you have for each other and for our God, are for you. 

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Mom --

You are one of the most caring and compassionate people that I have ever had the privilege knowing.  You always put others first -- in your job, in your family, in your marriage.  You make sacrifices so that we can have the best.  I have seen you in your best of times and in your worst of times, but never have I seen you quit or give up.  Your whole world could be crumbling before you, yet, you stand tall, looking unto Jesus for help and strength.  You love me for who I am, rather than who you want me to be and always encourage to follow my heart, to follow Jesus.   Your love for your family, for me, is something that I often take for granted.  I have been so blessed and probably neglect to tell you so.  But not a day goes by that I do not thank my God for such a beautiful mother, role model, and best friend.  I love you so much.

Love,

Elisabeth.

Dad --

I know I do not always say it or show it (for I will be your little porcupine), but I am so happy that you are my Dad.  Even when it seemed as if we would be at odds forever, the Lord knew otherwise.  You have been one of the greatest teachers for me here on this earth and one of the greatest spiritual influences in my life, always pointing me towards Jesus.  Thank you for putting your relationship with Christ above all else.  Not once have I doubted your love for Him and your devotion to His service.  And if I have learned anything from you, it is that life is life for everyone, but what you choose to do with what you have been given is what counts.  I could not be more honored to be called your daughter and thank God for you every day.  I love you, Daddy. 

Love,

Bethy. 

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Twenty-five years of marriage is something to be proud of and something to cherish.  You have made it this far and now have even more to look forward to in your future together.  I can only pray that I will be blessed with such an opportunity in my own life  -- with someone who loves Christ more than me, someone I can call my best friend, someone who puts all my dreams to shame.

Thank you for never quitting, thank you for loving each other in every circumstance, and thank you for letting me be a part of your love story.

I love you both so much. 

"Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealously, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.  It is not conceited (arrogant or inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly.  Love (God's love for us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy, fretful, or resentful; it takes no account to the evil done unto it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].  It does not rejoice at injustice or unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.  Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best in every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].  Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].

I Corinthians 13:4-8, 13