Today, we are so excited to share part of Derek and Jenn’s story with you. They have been married for almost 13 years, and have two sweet young kids. They are sharing a glimpse into their marriage of living out the vow “For Better and For Worse” every day for 13 years:
“I’ll tell you a little secret: I dumped my college boyfriend of nearly three years to date and eventually marry my husband, Derek. That’s why we can say with confidence that, though we certainly believe God brought our paths together, we also CHOSE each other. In fact, one of the greatest gifts God has given us is the gift of choice.
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But choosing each other didn’t peak at the alter. Choosing each other didn’t stop when life got busy or difficult. Choosing each other is a constant, daily opportunity. In almost 13 years of marriage, we’ve gotten to live out our vows, “for better, for worse.” We’ve planted churches, renovated houses, welcomed babies, and had many adventures. We’ve also wrestled through disagreements, jumped through parenting hoops, buried loved ones, and faced tremendous heartbreak. Even today, amidst laundry piles and work schedules and kids’ basketball practices and the daily grind, we’re choosing to CHOOSE each other—again.
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Now, let me be clear. Choosing each other often includes forgiveness, demands grace, and requires more patience than our human selves can muster. But that’s where God gives us more of Himself and faithfully takes us deeper. Psalm 34:3 says, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” I love this picture of worshipping Him, and doing it together. And the great news is: You don’t have to wait. You can CHOOSE your spouse today. You can choose mercy. You can choose love. You can choose each other once again.”
