When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this
Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life
Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you
~Partial lyrics to “Love Never Fails” by Brandon Heath
5 years ago my groom wiped tears away from his eyes as the quartet played Pachelbel Canon in D.
January 12, 2008
As I walk down the long aisle, my eyes rest upon a sea of smiling faces. I see happiness in their eyes. God has given me much to love.
As my own eyes become wet, I can barely look at my bridesmaids. These friends… these friends who know everything about me and love me anyway. I am grateful that they are standing beside me as I utter some of the most important words I will ever speak.
I wish they could come with us. But I know God has perfect plans for their lives too. I shove the thought of moving away out of my mind. I will not let it ruin this moment…
I stop walking and I hear my Pastor speak. I feel my father release my arm. As I turn, I notice the gaze of the man that witnessed my first breath. The first man to love and hold me. He answers, “her mother and I do,” and lifts my veil. The headship over my life has transferred.
God, please bless my daddy.
I sense her presence as her lips press into my cheek. She actually walked down the aisle today. All I wanted was for her to be here to see this moment. She fights hard and is a miracle. God’s mercy and perfect will trumped the doctor’s prediction.
My mother is still alive, thank you God.
Our vows were said and pictures taken. Heartfelt toasts were given and the fragrant bouquet tossed. The minutes flew by… and then it was time to leave.
I was leaving more than un-eaten cake behind. I was leaving a season of life behind. I was leaving my beloved friends, church, and ministry behind too.
God laid a choice before me.
And I chose Chad. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, I chose Chad.
Honeymoon time! We looked so rested back then 🙂
A lot has changed over the past 5 years. We’ve suffered heartache and experienced great joy. We are parents to two amazing and energetic toddlers. We’ve vacationed in Hawaii and France. Chad has converted me into a die hard Yankees fan, and I’ve converted him into a Kansas State football fan. {ok, almost converted him…sigh}
The beautiful thing is, is that we are going to make it.
We’ve learned that marriage is about the giving and receiving of Love. We are trying to build our marriage on Love that is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13). We’ve learned that marriage is not about the raising of perfect kids, of having a spotless house, or about returning to a pre-baby physique. Marriage is about Love.
We quickly nip what needs to be dealt with so that Love can flourish. We forget and forget and forget, so that Love can flourish. We protect so that Love can flourish. We believe when the other has stopped, so that Love can flourish. We listen to those who have been married longer, so that Love can flourish.
We continue to fail, but Love never will.
Happy 5th Anniversary Chad Steel! I love you with everything that is in me. And no, I actually love YOU MORE!!!
A special thanks to our grandparents and parents:
John and Billie Steel…married 52 years
Jake and Jean Schaaf…married 57 years
Dale and Ruby Davis…married 60 years
L.C. and Betty Crouch…married 66 years and counting!
Charlie and Debbie Steel…married 36 years and counting!
Wayne and Roxie Davis…married 40 years
You model that Love does not fail. You inspire us and we thank you for your example!
{in case you were wondering, if you add up all the years mentioned above, you’ll get a whopping 311 years of love never failing. Way, way, cool… and encouraging wouldn’t ya say? Glory to God!}
Beautiful! Happy Anniversary! So glad I linked up behind you 🙂
Thank you Lisa, I am glad you joined me today. 🙂 I will head over to your blog next. God bless!
WOW! It was an honor to one of your bridesmaids and I love that I can continue to walk beside both of you as you run this race! Thank you for being an example for me as a single woman! Love you both so much!
I think I catch my breath every time I see your wedding photo… could’ve been magazine material! 😉 And to think you guys are REAL. Happy anniversary. May God continue to shine His face upon you both! ~ Love out, Amy
You are to kind Amy! 🙂 Yes we are “real” and have been through the same ups and downs that recently married folks experience. But we are choosing Love and clinging to Christ to help us each and every day. Praise Him for always being our Helper and strength!
Wow, this was beautiful, Tracy!
LOVE NEVER FAILS. A legacy of 311 years of love never failing in your family. Such a wonderful treasure and gift to your family line! May it continue!
I especially love this part:
“We’ve learned that marriage is about the giving and receiving of Love. We are trying to build our marriage on Love that is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13). We’ve learned that marriage is not about the raising of perfect kids, of having a spotless house, or about returning to a pre-baby physique. Marriage is about Love. We quickly nip what needs to be dealt with so that Love can flourish. We forget and forget and forget, so that Love can flourish. We protect so that Love can flourish. We believe when the other has stopped, so that Love can flourish. We listen to those who have been married longer, so that Love can flourish.”
“….SO THAT LOVE CAN FLOURISH…”
Amen. I am so encouraged by you.
Ali
Thank you Ali for your sweet words. Praising God for how He encouraged your heart today. If my efforts at being the best wife/lover/cook/friend for my husband are done without Love, I am just a clanging symbol (1 Cor 13). And I don’t want this to be sister! Lord, help me to Love Chad like you do…
Oh! Happy Anniversary! Enjoy your special day!
Thank you Eileen!
Thank you my dear friend. What a race it’s been! Blessed by your faithfulness and support~ we love you too 🙂
Wow, Tracy! I had tears welling up the entire time I read this. It was truly an honor to stand with you 5 years ago on one of the most special and important days of your life. And who could believe that just about 4 years later you would be standing by my very side?! I have enjoyed walking a long side of you and Chad during the courting days, the engagement days, the married days and most recently, the parenting days. You have always been a few steps ahead of me and I so appreciate and value being able to watch a godly couple love each other and raise their children in a godly home. You are so genuine and I am so thankful that we have a deep and loving friendship that continues to grow even though we don’t get to see each other like we used to. You both are so special to me and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the both of you in the coming years. Thank you for this post – it was so encouraging to my heart. I love you girl!
Erika-I thank you for continuing to walk with me through all the ups and downs. I love watching how God is working in both of our lives! Sending love and hugs to you and Rye-Rye 🙂
Thanks for letting us “witness” your wedding today, Tracy. What a legacy your family has set before you. Powerful and full of God’s grace and unfailing love. Happy Anniversary and may you enjoy many, many more.
Love to you and Chad,
Dawn
Thank you Dawn! Sending our love to you too 🙂
Happy 5th Anniversary, Chad and Tracy! You guys get it, and….you rock!
Love, Adele. Married to my beloved, Barry, 31 years, and counting. God is amazing.
Thank you Adele! Congrats to you and Barry on 31 years-that is so awesome! God is amazing indeed…