Marriage

Mark 10:6-8. "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one.”

Andrew and Mariah,
When a husband and wife have their first child, a million thoughts go through their minds. You fast-forward and wonder about what this child will grow up to be like. You have your own sense of what would be good for your child. But you also know that you’re not in control – you’re given a responsibility to love and train your child, and you trust that God will bring meaning and joy to your child’s life.

And so it is with mom and me, Andrew. You know that since you were born I prayed and hoped that you would go into full-time ministry. And here you are in South Africa. I always hoped that you would find a beautiful wife (as I did) who would share a strong faith with you, love you, encourage you and complement you. And here you are with Mariah. And I hoped that God would bring meaning and joy to your life. And so He has for both of you.

Mom and I joke that we are the “uni-couple” because we share so much of our lives at home, in ministry, and at work. God has given me a life partner who is a treasure of unquantifiable value. Based on my own wonderful experience with marriage, I am giddy (well, maybe filled with great joy) thinking about the wonderful life you two will have together.

May the Lord richly bless you all the days of your life together. Can’t wait to see you both in the new year!

Love,
Dad