The Right One

This past Friday was my 16TH wedding anniversary. I am amazed that as time passes our love for each other continues to grow. I have made a lot of bad decisions in my life, but choosing to marry Autumn Rogers was not one of them. I do not believe in the cliche "soul mates." That is modern bunk. I do, however, believe you can choose the right spouse for you. Yes, you need your heart to guide you with love. You also need your God given mind to lead you in making the decision.

Before Autumn and I married, I ask God to bring the right person in my life. I became impatient with God and began dating someone that was not right for me. By God's grace, He gave me the wisdom to get out of that relationship. Shortly after this poor judgment, my eyes were opened to see Autumn as more than a friend. She and I had known each other for about a year and a half. We always seemed to be dating others. Once the light went on in my heart, it was not long that I knew this young woman was the right person for me.

Autumn was very beautiful to me. She was a very devoted follower of Jesus Christ. We had a lot of fun together as friends. Her family was close and very kind and loving people. We complimented each other. These realities continue to this day.

It has not always been easy for us. Take two sinners with different ways of seeing things (add hard heads), you will always have confrontation. Through God's mercy and our maturing as Christians, we have an awesome relationship. Autumn was, is and always will be my best friend.

As a Chaplain in the Army, I get to help marriages stay together. I also see a lot of marriages end. Many in life do not use their head only their heart (sometimes not even the heart!) to choose whom to be with forever.

God did not tell us to marry the ones we love, only to love the ones we marry. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2 emphasis mine)." Thank God for the wife the Lord provided me!

Autumn, I love you very much. Happy Anniversary!