My Dearly Beloved

What would you think if you heard of a married couple who promised each other they would not tell anyone of their honeymoon, because of how horrible it was? You would probably wonder how long they lasted or dread to hear of their misery years later.

Well, I'm here to say that after eight years, those memories of my not-so-fun honeymoon have melted away into gratefulness and praise over the power of God.

On July 7, 2001 I made a vow to love, honor and cherish Douglas Ray Isaacson. After a whirlwind of a day, we were off to beautiful Hood River to spend a week of intimacy, joy and laughter in this quaint Oregon town. Our plans were simple. Spend the week at a Bed and Breakfast, play tennis, hike and just enjoy one another.

We did stay at a B&B, we did play tennis and we did hike. But, let me tell you, it wasn't full of romantic feelings. There was tension as we tried to figure one another out. There was anger at un-met expectations and there was fatigue from being forced to be up and dressed for breakfast by 9:00am every morning. I'm not opposed to getting up, but when you just want to sleep in and take your time, being told missing this free meal wasn't an option, makes for a grumpy new bride.

We fought about so many stupid things, but here's one that is quite comical now. Doug and I had gone up to Lost Lake on Hood River. On the way, I dozed and enjoyed some quiet time. Doug found a fruit stand on the side of the road and decided to buy some freshly picked black cherries. I hate cherries. Okay, I'll take a chocolate dipped maraschino cherry once in a while, but even then, I have my limits. So, Doug proceeds to eat the entire bag. Needless to say, his digestive system had much to say and he could barely stand himself. I was so irritated. This set the mood.

We get to the lake and decide to rent a canoe for 3 hours and venture out onto the water. Now, anyone knows that to really enjoy a canoe ride you must be on stagnant waters. This was my expectation. Lost Lake on Hood River is anything but still. In fact, I thought for sure we were going to tip. I made it clear (in a rather loud voice) that I did NOT want to get wet and I did NOT want to be in the canoe any longer. Oh, we had to at least get a picture of me with Mt. Hood in the background. I forced a fake smile then returned to speak very harshly to my dearly beloved and ordered him to turn us around immediately and get us out of this stupid contraption.

Poor Doug was probably shocked. What had he gotten himself into? All he could do was mutter out a few nervous giggles (which did not help the situation in the least) and try to get us turned around. Fifteen minutes later, we returned the boat.

As I sat waiting for him to join me for our hike around the lake, I realized how wrong I was and needed to truly ask for his forgiveness. Things were going so well. We had a real heart-to-heart. I apologized for my rotten attitude and disrespect and gently asked him to not laugh at me when I need his assurance of being there for me. It seemed to be a real success. But, then I did it. I kept going on and on and on about his shortcomings and what I needed out of him. Well, the poor man could really take no more. He said a few words, walked away and left me standing there. So, Doug hikes Lost Lake alone and I hike Lost Lake alone.

What a honeymoon. We told each other on the way out of town we were not going to tell anyone about our week.

Now, all these years later, we not only tell it, but tell it with a purpose. God has worked in our lives to show us that He created marriage for His glory and purpose. Marriage is not for our pleasure (though there is much to be enjoyed) but, to show the world a picture of Christ and His bride, the church.

I am more in love with Doug today than I was on the alter. And, I know as long as we are submitted to the changing work of God in our lives, we will live many more years growing in that love for one another.

The real solution to peacemaking is to see what the Prince of Peace did in our lives, then pray for the power to live that out with our relationships. When we see what mercy was bestowed upon us, it helps offer mercy to those around us. I know this is much easier said than done. But, I sit here testifying that nothing is too hard for God and He definitely works all things for our good and His glory.