the marriage diaries vol. 3 — Nicole Cole

Today we celebrate two whole months of marriage. For the past 60 nights, I haven't gone to sleep without him. We've shared meals together, we've been silly with each other, and we've danced together in our bedroom because I just had to put my dress on again. We've also annoyed each other, failed to communicate, and raised our voices in an argument. We've loved, and we've failed to love. I've been reminded more than ever through these last two months that I'm a wicked, wicked sinner. I'm selfish and impatient. I'm often not quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). I need Jesus to make marriage work. Everyday. I'm thankful for forgiveness and grace and conviction. I'm thankful that when we made vows to one another we didn't just promise to love each other through the happy, romantic moments, but we promised to love through the disagreements and the trials. Marriage has shown me my sin. Marriage shown me where my heart needs work. Marriage has shown me that there will never, ever be a day where I don't need to grace and the mercy that Jesus poured out for me on the cross. Two months ago we made vows to one another in front of God, family, and friends. We promised to do this life thing together and to seek Jesus through it. We promised that as our two lives became one that we would show the world Jesus by our love. I pray that is always my hearts desire, even when we've been married 50 years.

In honor of our two month anniversary, here are our vows.

Nicole, I can't believe that we are finally here. We are actually about to do this. I know it seemed like a lifetime ago that we got engaged, but we are actually here in the moment now. I am so thankful for the time we got to spend as an engaged couple these past few months, because I know that we have grown leaps and bounds in many ways.

Now that we are ere here today, I know that it is officially my time to become the leader of our new family. But before that I just want to say thank you, because in many ways, you have been the leader to me in our relationship. I have grown so much in my faith the past few years because of your influence and guidance. And for that, I am most thankful. You are such a godly woman and I am proud to say that I am about to call you my wife.

So I promise to you: To always laugh with you and never go to bed angry. To comfort you in times of sadness and stress. To always listen to what you have to say, even at those times we don't agree. That we will work our problems out with respect.

I promise to lead our family in directions that will display that Christ is the center of our marriage. I know this is my job and I fully commit to it.

But most of all, I promise to love you. To love you under any circumstances, happy or sad, easy or difficult. On our good days and bad days I promise to love you. Not a day should go by that you question my love. You deserve every ounce and I plan to give that to you.

I am the luckiest man in the world today and I couldn't imagine growing old with anyone else.

You are my best friend. I know that we are in for such a great adventure and I absolutely cannot wait!

As we stand here today in front of our family and our friends, I'm so glad that you never gave in when I begged you to elope. Today we have the opportunity to share Jesus with the people we love most and I pray that our loves would always be a testimony of the saving grace of the gospel.

Ty, I am so passionately in love with you. You've taught me how to love, how to laugh, and how to breathe in every moment. You've shown me grace and love and gentleness. Your ways with me lead me to the cross.

I'm overwhelmed that the Lord has brought us together. My heart could burst with joy and thankfulness because of how faithful the Lord is. So, it is with much passion that I make these vows to you today.

First and foremost, I vow to respect you. Today the Lord calls you to be the leader of our home and I recognize and submit to that today. I trust you to make the decisions for our family and I commit to respecting you in the way I speak, act, and live. In my submission to you I am protected.

I vow to put you first in my life. Today you become my number one priority on earth and I'll strive to care for you in every human way possible. Today, we are a family of two as we leave our families to create our own. I promise to cling tightly to you as we walk through this life together.

Now and forever, I vow to grow old with you. Marriage is a covenant and love is a choice and I promise with everything I have that I will chose to love you until my last breath. Life is hard. I know that we will walk through dark and ugly days, but I'm certain that I could walk through fire as long as you're there beside me. You're my biggest encourager and closest friend. I love you with every ounce of who I am and nothing makes me happier than being your wife. Today and forever, I'm yours.