on marriage

Of late, my colleagues have challenged me to think more deeply about marriage and if it is any different than domestic partnership. I thank them for this because it has pushed me to think more carefully and truthfully about the vows that I made to my husband over 3 years and 3 months ago.

In domestic partnership, one can own a home and cars together. One can be the beneficiary of the other's life insurance. Two partners can raise children together. Love can be deeply present and uniting.

A difference between domestic partnership and the Christian marriage that I am a part of is that I vowed before God and my community that I would love this man in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, to love and to cherish him for as long as I live. I vowed before God and man to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him and forsaking all others, keep only unto him as long as we both shall live. I vowed that I would let nothing take my love away from Shea.

As a believer and follower of God, I know that marriage was made as a picture of the Creator and Groom's love for us, his people and bride. The marriage is sacred because of this, and not because of an intensity of love or it being something acknowledged by the state.

A husband left on a trip to go far away to provide for his bride of three years. When his wife arrived home to the empty house, she found small notes placed strategically around the house. In them he wrote of the things he cherished about her, things only a husband could write to his wife, and how he was going to come back soon.

This is a picture of God's love for us. This is a picture of marriage.