An Open Letter From Your Wife of 18 Days
Jon. Being married to you has been the most wonderful gift that God has given me. Through you, God has answered an abundance of my prayers. In our personal vows to each other a couple of weeks ago, I shared who God has made you to be. Because remembering them is important, I wanted to re-share them here for all to see as we celebrate you today on your birthday.
“When I think of who you are, I am constantly amazed at who God has made you to be. I’m reminded of all the times I spoke with God about my future husband. And there were many times we spoke about you before I even knew it would be you.
Fall 2015, before engagement
“I asked God that my future husband would be a strong Christian who is able to lead me. And that’s who you are.
“I asked that he would be faithful and strong in sharing the Gospel – that it would be as important to him as it is to me. Again, God did that in you.
“Other prayers included qualities like gentleness, kindness, generosity, honesty, and integrity. God did that in you.
“I had other negotiable prayers with God. I asked him for a man who could sing and play music. A man who enjoyed beauty and was good at sports so that I didn’t have to play alone.
Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona. First full day of our honeymoon! What a hike!
“Jon, you have an amazing voice – I love singing and playing music with you. You are an incredible artist in many ways, and I’m blown away that God has given you so much talent – and that you even let me work alongside of you. You also are one of the best volleyball players I’ve ever known, in addition to the other sports we enjoy together.
“Though these are just minor issues, God still honored my requests, and I want to recognize that today. It’s what makes us enjoy each other all the more. On top of all of these, I did occasionally have the audacity to ask for a handsome man. Well, God did that, too.
“Jon, I believe with my whole heart that God has created us for each other. That you and I being together forever was really His idea. Because of this, I confidently vow to support you, to encourage you, to speak Truth to you, to trust you, to adore you, to romance you, and to love you for all the days of my life.
Erica Serrano Photography
“God has done immeasurably more than all we asked or imagined - because it is His power that is at work within us.”
Since being married, I have grown to love you deeply. You are so sensitive to me, and you genuinely receive joy from serving me in any way you can. My trust in you has deepened, and I am even more excited to continue life together with you. I love calling you my husband, and I brag on you often.
Grand Canyon!
The dreaded bacon pirate!
I had forgotten to mention in my vows how great you are with people of all ages. I just get the biggest kick out of your imagination when you play with my youngest sister. I know that you will make one of the very best dads - it will be so special to see you in that role one day, Lord willing!
The happiest of birthdays to you, my Jon! Let’s make year 29 one of the very best ones you’ve ever had.
