Friday, December 18, 2009

For Better, of For Worse

Today is a special day in the Delisle house... our 5th anniversary!

I think back to December 18th, 2004... how it almost felt like a dream seeing all of the planning and preparation come together so beautifully. Not just plans for the photographer, the music, the food and all... but God's plan in designing Spencer and I specifically and uniquely for one another.

I remember having this glowing, almost goofy, looking grin plastered on my face the entire day. Then again, how could you not? Especially when you're the bride :)

I remember each part of our ceremony and reception so clearly. I had been told that it would all feel like a blur, but truthfully it doesn't. I remember everything that went off without a hitch, and the few glitches that occurred, too... all of which made it a memorable and the most joyous of days.

In particular, I remember our vows. Spencer and I are fairly traditional, and not particularly creative, so we chose to stick with traditional wedding vows. And while I think that I understood the concept of "for better for for worse" to the greatest extent that I could at the time, I would never have imagined the magnitude of that statement.

I would have never imagined that God would lead us down a path of some unimaginable "for worse" times. That's not to say that God hasn't been faithful in using Isaac's short life and ultimately his death for good and for His glory... because he absolutely has.

But of course, it's not what either of us would have chosen. And with it being so close to Christmas and Isaac's absence feeling more and more pronounced, we would have rather that situation been one that had turned out "for better"... at least, for better in a way that would have allowed Isaac to be here with us for much, much longer than her was.

Over the course of the past five years, God has blessed us with some incredible "for better" times, and has carried us through some the most painful "for worse" times. As I sit here and reflect on that, I am so incredibly grateful for the way that God has used each of those times, for better or for worse, to strengthen our marriage. He has been so faithful in protecting us.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I love you, Spence! You are my perfect partner. Happy anniversary!!

26 comments:

Sara said...

How very sweet. :) Have a wonderful anniversary day!

SUSI said...

Happy 5th Anniversary Stacy and Spencer. Hope you'll have a wonderful day today and many, many more "for better" times to come.

Lauren said...

Happy anniversary!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! Today is also my anniversary! My husband and I have been married for 16 years. Have a great day celebrating!

Erin

Jus and Kat said...

Happy Anniversary Stacy! The way I look at it, surviving the ultimate "for worse" in losing Isaac will make you really appreciate the "for better" times that you and Spencer are blessed with.

:) Kat

Alison said...

Happy Anniversary, Stacy!

boltefamily said...

Happy Anniversary!

Leslie said...

Happy Anniversary!

Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com said...

Happy Anniversary, Stacy! When so many couples crumble during the "for worse," you and Spencer are an awesome testimony of God's grace. You have clung to Him and I pray that you'll enjoy many "for better" times to come! Have an awesome day!!

King J's Queen said...

Happy Anniversary!

Unknown said...

How wonderful! Happy Anniversary!!

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary Stacy and Spencer!! He has brought you two together to bring glory to Himself and to give you many blessings. While he has asked you to sacrifice much more than others in the "for worse times" by allowing Issac to go to heaven, I am confident he will continue to use your marriage and lives to bless and minister to others. And I am confident our Heavenly Father will give you many more "for better" times. Have a blessed day!

Kickboxing Mama said...

Happy Anniversary. You two are a great inspiration to others. I hope this day is filled with all the love and happiness you both deserve!

Tammy On the Go said...

this is great...it's good to see marriages founded in faith adn love and true selflessness....is that the right spelling..haha, sorry. I am veyr happy for youu!

Anonymous said...

That was a sweet post. Happy Anniversary and I love the Josh Groban song you use.

Leslie Collins said...

Hi Stacy, I have been following your blog for quite some time. I stumbled on it thru Angie Smith's blog. :)

I wanted to say, "Happy Anniversary." I decided to comment today because my husband & I share the same anniversary with you and your's. It is also our 5th.

Have a wonderful day, today.

Holly said...

Happy Anniversary to you both! I hope that you enjoy the day together and the weekend too!

Rach said...

Congratulations on reaching 5 years which is no mean feat in today's day and age!!

I hope the next 5 finds you even more in love!

xx

Corie said...

Happy Anniversary! Praise God for sustaining both of you through the sickness and worse part of this. I am looking forward to seeing the health and better part...although Isacc is forsure wrapped up in those things too...just in a different way. Funny how what we thought life would be like has to be redefined along the way. Gods way that is! You both are amazing and I know Isaac is so proud to be your son.

Once A Mother said...

Happy Anniversary, your love has shown to be true, lasting, and strong. Many blessings to you both as you celebrate.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! I Love the passage from Ecclesiastes... it was in our wedding ceremony as well, and has proven to be true year after year!

Michal Ann said...

What a joyous wedding picture and lovely tribute to your enduring marriage. Your love and respect for one another are such a strong, sweet witness. All blessings to you as the brand new year begins!

Jen said...

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!

The Schultz Family said...

Ive been following your blog for a few months but never commented until I saw that we share the very same anniversary the very same year. Anyway Happy Anniversary!

Sonya said...

Happy Anniversary! (I know I am late) and while no one wants to think of the "or worse" part of our vows when we are saying them they are so important, as you all to well know. But God knew what was going to happen and how strong that you both are and that you would lean on each other and help others along the way.

Stephanie said...

Happy Anniversary! We just celebrated our 5 year anniversary too on December 11th. Reading your post really made me think back to our wedding day too, thinking of feeling so many of the same things you wrote about. Then also thinking about the 'for worse' moments we have endured so far, and all of the 'for better' moments to come.