Get Married?

Something for our Staff:

Check that picture out. That's me and Beth cutting our wedding cake.

Since there has been a rash of Kwest folks getting engaged to be married, the question begs to be answered. You might be sitting out there saying, "What about me?" "When do I get married?" "How do I know if it's right person?"

I think it's worth some careful thought. After celebrating 20 years with Beth just a few months ago, it felt like we were setting a world record. So many of my friends around me seem to be struggling, or even worse, not surviving.

I received an email from a staff this week that I had written to 3 years ago answering his question. He sent it back to me this week thanking me for my thoughts and advice. I thought I might share a portion of it with you since I am on a roll talking about my wife:

Should you get married?

To begin, I would steer you to the word of God. What does it say? I Corinthians 7 is packed with lots of counsel on marriage, being single, and details related to making decisions for ourselves, and our children. Go there first, foremost, and even last (especially after you read this mail).

I do know that "if" we decide to get married, Paul warns us that our interests now become divided. We are no longer just concerned about the Lord and how we can please Him, but we concern ourselves with the world and caring for a wife (see I Corth 7:32-33). A wife divides our loyalty to the Master. However it's better to marry than it is to burn...so, I am thankful that I have a wonderful bride.

My counsel would be to make sure you marry someone like my wife (I say that with a little smile/smirk): Godly, always positive, able to deal with adversity well, people person, and also, a call it like you see it gal. She is the most I'm Third person I know. She is selfless, and so willing to serve me and the kids. Plus she has never make a bad meal in our 17 years of marriage. I have no complaints.

1) my parents told me to marry my best friend...because I would get to spend the rest of my life with them.

2) marry someone who is heading in the same direction as you.

3) most important, and really the number one thing, find a person whose heart is yielded to the Lord. (these were just a few of thoughts I shared)

I have added another 3 years to my wedding date since I had written those words. By the way, Beth still hasn't made a bad meal. If you want all the details and the long version, I will be glad to send it. After I read it, it made me appreciate my wife all over again. I love those brown eyes as much as the day we first met.