Happy Anniversary

Today, Blane and I have been married for nine years. In many respects, this seems like peanuts! We know people who have been married 40+ years, which sounds like a very long time compared to our nine. But in our culture–even in the Christian culture, that has sadly veered from the narrow vision for marriage that the Lord has–nine years is nothing to scoff about.  The way I see it, with each year that passes, the celebration should only increase! So, I want to publicly give praise to the Lord and give a short testimony to the Lord’s handiwork and greatest gift to me–Blane Tarr.

In thinking of how to communicate the great worth of the man whose name I was so privileged to take, I think it most fitting to describe how he is similar to my Savior. Like Jesus, Blane has chosen to walk a road of humility and death that he didn’t have to choose. Remaining single would have been a much easier life for a man who is an introvert and likes life to be very simple (the man lived on nuts for a year to save for my engagement ring). For a man who truly understands the weighty responsibility involved with taking a wife, it is no light decision to marry. Blane lived with this understanding years before we were married, and our marriage has been a deep well of blessing because of it. Marriage is to be a picture of how Christ loves the Church, and my husband has lived this.

You see, marriage can only endure and give life (to us and others) when the two daily die to themselves, and have the life of Jesus flowing in their hearts.  This means there must be a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, the only One through whom humility is derived–it cannot come apart from Him. Marriages that I’ve watched go through difficult times, or even end, have selfishness as the root of the problem. One or both spouses pursues selfish desires of the flesh in one form or fashion. Those unable to reconcile in the end are prevented from doing so because of an unwillingness to humble themselves–to die to their own selfish desires–no matter how “right” they may seem. Our sin makes train wrecks of our lives.  It’s at that very place of a train wreck that the Lord loves to come and redeem. When we open our heart to let the humility of Jesus reign in our hearts, there’s no room for selfishness. His love comes and overflows, enabling us to love others with His love that gives life.

Humility marks my man. He gently leads me, day in and day out, to the Lord. He has chosen countless times to deny himself something–sleep, ease, food, something new, being “right”–so that he can walk in worship to our Lord. In doing this, he is fulfilling the weighty calling of a husband! He does so without complaining or a bad attitude, even that a testimony to the work of the Lord in his life.

Blane Tarr, I am so thankful that you chose me to be your wife. It is a privilege to walk with you daily– may we be ever more ready to meet our Savior as we continue to live with an eye to helping one another prepare to be with Him!