Happy Anniversary, Brian Paragi. Twenty three years ago I walked down the aisle to meet you. We said our vows. Vows that I meant, but at the time had no idea what they truly entailed. We looked lovingly into each other's eyes as the vocalist sang "Everything I Do." That has to be the longest song ever and I think we did more giggling than we did looking lovingly.
I have learned a lot in these years. The one thing we have always agreed on is that we were not the "only one" for each other. We believe that, as long as God is center in our lives, marriage to any of those "others" could have been successful. We had the freedom to choose anyone. But, we chose each other and because of that we ARE the only one for each other for the rest of our days. Once we chose it was forever. Quite honestly, I can't imagine it any other way than 'Brian and Philisha."
Our view on marriage is hard for some to understand. As I sat down to write about it, I struggle to find the right words. This is my feeble attempt. It is actually pretty simple.
Brian could have married someone else. I could have chosen a different man. But how we met and why we chose each other is not as important as our daily choices to continue to choose each other.
It's not easy. It's not pretty. And it certainly isn't perfect. We don't have all the answers. We are human. We argue. We are prideful. We dig our heels in. We sin. I am thankful for the grace and mercy that God grants me daily. Because of his love for the Lord, Brian offers me grace and mercy also.
So, Brian, I pledge to continue to choose you daily. Thank you for loving me as Christ loves the church.
