Our Golden Wedding anniversary is just ten days away. For some reason, I have waited for, and even longed to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. I remember celebrating Alan's parents 50th wedding anniversary with a meal at the Beehive House restaurant in Salt Lake City. My mom longed to celebrate her 50th anniversary, but she passed away about 13 months before that day, so she never got to celebrate it. Not every reaches that amazing milestone, but for some reason, God has blessed our marriage to be able to withstand the test of time.
As our big anniversary approaches, I remembered that I wrote about my wedding day a few years after our marriage for some special event at church. I had previously written about my wedding day in my personal journal, but this was different. This is what I wrote:
For Time and All Eternity
It was two days after Christmas, but for me the excitement was just beginning. The day began after a semi-sleepless night in anticipation of the wonderful things that were to happen. After all, this was no ordinary day - it was my wedding day.
I remember as I arose that morning feeling exceptionally happy as I rushed around getting things in order before making the trip from Salt Lake City to Provo. This day was the day I had waited for since childhood. Since my parents had what I thought was an ideal temple marriage, I could think of nothing I wanted more than to follow the good example they had set for their children. Today was a dream come true.
I know it is not proper for the groom to see the bride prior to the wedding, but we broke that tradition by making the drive to the Provo Temple together. I don't remember what we talked about during that hour drive, but my thoughts centered on the eternal nature of the upcoming ceremony. I didn't particularly feel nervous because I knew that I was doing the right thing. Besides, I would be among friends and relatives who had previously been through the same experience that I would be having.
Finally, in the distance I viewed the majestic white temple of God. What a beautiful place to be married. While walking hand in hand towards the temple, I felt the sacredness of the ground beneath us. The peaceful, calm day aided to the serenity and holiness of the experience.
Knowing the holiness of the temple, I internally questioned my worthiness to enter as most of those entering probably do. Once inside, I was directed towards the bride's dressing room. There I dressed appropriately for the ceremony.
Everything and everyone in the temple was lovely. The ordinance workers, all dressed in white, truly looked and acted like angels sent from Heaven. Having my Mom by my side and those angels guiding me every step of the way, there were no worries about getting lost or feeling unsure or insecure.
Now I found myself in a special room where I was reunited with Alan. In here, we waited to enter the sealing room. I remember holding Alan's hand in anxious anticipation, wanting the time to pass more quickly. My thoughts rushed back to all the fun times, the serious discussions, and the spiritual experiences we had shared together over the past ten months as we dated and got to know each other better. There were no doubts in my mind that this was where I should be and this man sitting next to me was the man I should marry.
No organ music accompanied me, nor did I walk down any aisle. Instead, I walked with God through His corridors and a song of gladness filled my whole being. I carried no bouquet of flowers, but I didn't have to. I carried something more precious - the promise of God. I didn't even have any bridesmaids by my side and my father didn't give me away. No, I had the angels at my side and I wasn't given away, but I was received by my Heavenly Father - a prospect for His kingdom.
Having a close family friend perform the ceremony was an added blessing. His words were music to my ears. The advice he gave was simple, yet very meaningful and essential for eternal salvation. As I knelt across the altar holding Alan's hand and peered into the mirror repeatedly reflecting our images, I felt so happy and blessed to have a marriage that wasn't just for time, but was for eternity. This was how God intended marriage to be. This was God's law being fulfilled.
That day was truly one of the best days of my life. As I look back over the past 50 years, I'm so grateful that God sent Alan into my life. He has been such a huge blessing to me. I don't know how I could have gone through life without him. We have been blessed with five wonderful, strong children who make me be proud to be their mother. We also have nine (almost ten) terrific grandchildren. They are so talented and precious. I feel truly blessed to have the family I have.
God is good and Life is good.
Provo Utah Temple
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