Marriage: A Cord of Three Strands

Having a cord of three strands in my marriage has been the most important factor to the years my husband and I have been together. It is why my husband and I will be celebrating 17 years of marriage {cue the confetti and party horns} this year! This cord of three strands that I refer to includes God, my husband, and me. God has definitely been writing our love story. As I look back over these past seventeen years, I can see His beautiful handwriting on the pages. This cord also includes me and my husband. We each have had our own influence on the quality of our marriage, as well as opportunities for personal growth that we have been responsible for. We have learned many valuable lessons over the years that have made us stronger together today as we look forward to our 17th wedding anniversary on April 5, 2014!

A Cord of Three Strands

The Bible verse that our marriage began on and continues to stand on today is found in Ecclesiastes 4:12:

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves; 

a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

Our wedding invitation on the cover of our keepsake album.

It has truly taken God being in the center of our marriage for us to have the blessing of 17 years of marriage this April. There were rough spots in the beginning, as all marriages experience if we are honest about it, but God was faithful during those times to carry us through. That's where most of our growing stronger together took place - in those rough spots that were meant to tear us apart. Instead, we remained faithful to the vows we made to each other and to God.

A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

We have experienced times of sorrow during these past 17 years together as well. We've lost loved ones including both of my grandmothers, my mother, a sister, and recently my father. Together we have mourned the loss of our first child together at 6 weeks into the pregnancy. God was there with us each time gathering our tears in a bottle (see Psalm 56:8).

A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

We have experienced times of joy and laughter in our 17 years of marriage. Joy in the birth of our son, Caleb. Joy at the graduation of our daughter after homeschooling her through her last three years of high school. Joy as we watched our daughter walk down the aisle in marriage to a wonderful man that God brought into her life. Laughter during family fun nights, teasing with each other, and so many other happy times. God has truly gifted us with moments of joy and laughter! These wonderful memories, along with God, are the fuel that carries us through the rough spots along the road of marriage that are bound to happen with two imperfect people who learn to become good forgivers along the way. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (see Romans 5:8). How can we not learn to forgive those we say we love?

A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

I'm so thankful to God for being with us and helping us during our time together. He continues to walk with us and help us even today. As we get ready to celebrate Valentine's Day this month, I have enjoyed looking back on our time together as husband and wife. Isn't it neat that my husband and I first met as teenagers at a church Valentine's banquet! We didn't go together as a couple, and we certainly had no idea the plans God had in mind for us even back then.

How about you...I would love to know how you and your husband first met? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

Walking in His Grace,

Laurie