13 Years Later...I Still Do!

For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live...13 years ago, Kris and I were standing in front of God, our family, and friends making these promises to each other.  I was in my first year of grad school and Kris was working a sales job that he did not love (but he loved me, so he kept at that job until he found something much better).  We were young and in love (we are still in love, just not quite as young).  Some of our early newlywed dates consisted of splitting a cheese fries appetizer at Outback Steakhouse (we couldn't afford the actual steak).  We still can't afford the steak, but, oh, how rich our lives have become over these past 13 years. 
 
We knew God had a plan for this little family he had joined together.  It took Him a while (according to our timetable) to reveal it to us, but what a beautiful plan he has woven together.  I think it is pretty appropriate that today, our 13th anniversary, we are moving to our village, becoming a part of a new community and culture, and beginning the task that God already had planned when we stood in front of the church that day and said, "I do". 

God has shown us a glimpse of the tapestry, but we know that He continues to weave together the pieces of our lives as we seek to serve Him.  I love you, Kris Toler, and I love the man of God that you are for our family.  Even if I'd known ahead of time the details in the "better or worse", "richer or poorer", and "sickness and health", I would still say "I do" all over again.

I sure do love this guy!  Happy Anniversary!