Please allow me a moment of self-indulgence as we celebrate my daughter and son-in-law’s first wedding anniversary. Lizzie and Lewis were married at St John the Evangelist in Hedge End on Saturday 4th August 2012 and it’s hard to believe that their first year of married life has passed so quickly.

The day itself was such a joyous occasion when we were joined by family and friends to see them blessed not only by God but by all the love that surrounded them

To be sure, marital relationships are not always easy – when the first flush of romance has subsided the hard slog of getting to know each other takes over – finding out what the other likes to eat (*my mother makes the best Yorkshire puddings!); their sleeping habits (your snoring has woken up the neighbour’s baby!); their shopping habits (it’s not the size of your bottom I’m worried about but the hideous colour!); discovering our little foibles (of course I’ve left enough time to get ready!) – but enough about my marriage!

* things to try not to say

What we hope in time within marriage is that our relationship not only with each other but also with God becomes stronger and deeper, because let’s not forget he is part of the relationship as well; and that the love that brought us together will be transformed into a reflection of His love

Happy anniversary Lizzie and Lewis!

What is this love?
a poem written especially for the occasion of their wedding

What is this love?
If not a union when two are joined
in marital estate;
blessed by church and heaven;
strengthened by propitious wishes –
of hope on a journey of discovery

A love springing from the vine,
that sent forth exploratory tendrils
outwards to bind seamlessly –
and then thrusting skyward
in reciprocal ambition,
all the while anchored securely
by the root of Jesse

A love sublime;
honoured by innocence,
yet enflamed by passions
deep within each other;
blossoming like perfect rosebuds –
so tightly curled to unfurl
in velvet beauty; sweetly scented.

It is a love that knows patience
and forbearance,
that acts in kindness,
respectful of each other’s needs –
that forgives completely
and remembers not the cause.

A steadfast love, bound
in mutual trust and respect;
accepting of its own vulnerability
to hurts and wrongs,
yet still spills forth exuberantly
to gladden each heart and
lighten the world it touches

This is a love that seizes the moment
to add memories to life’s album of adventure.
Sharing smiles and tears
which will build a storehouse
of life-enhancing experiences,
guided by the Spirit’s compass

What is this love?
So jubilant in its supremacy,
yet bends its will to another
of great power and gentle nature ;
that bridges time and space
of one love – eternal.