When I wrote my wedding vows just over four weeks ago, I organized them around my personal core values as a new husband. To help discover those core values I imagined myself looking on at my own funeral as Leah shared her eulogy. And I wrote the eulogy that I hope she'd be able to write.
Tomorow I plan to post my wedding vows. But first I thought I'd share the forward-thinking eulogy that helped me write them.
A few disclaimers: Please remember that this is imaginary; I'm not dead yet:) Also, this a description of the husband I hope to be remembered as in several years, not necessarily the one I am today; although I have had a whopping four weeks of practice! But with that in mind, here's what I hope Leah would be able to say in about 50 years...
I'd like to say a few words about my husband, Brad. He was the funniest man I ever met. Seriously, he always knew how to make me laugh. He might not have been the world's greatest cook, but he was always there for dinner. He made time to listen to me, to believe in me; just to be with me.
We had alot of fun during our first year of marriage, setting up our house, getting the Christmas tree out of the living room, and watching football. We laughed alot. We even cried a little. We accepted every adventure that came our way and made alot of memories.
Raising kids had its challenges, but Brad was there every step of the way. He prayed over them each night. He never missed a game. And when I had an opportunity to pursue a ministry opportunity or connect with a friend, he re-arranged his schedule to hang with them.
I'll never forget the night we left our fourth son at college. I was wondering what would be next for me, wrestling again with questions of identity and mission. He reminded me of God's call on my life. He listed the gifts that were in my life. And he blessed me to pursue a fresh set of dreams.
Most of all, I'll always remember Brad's simple focus on Jesus. He used his name alot, particularly as he prayed over me. He used his life and teachings as a model for our marriage. And he depended on Jesus. He drew strength from Jesus. He spent time with Jesus, which is probably why I regularly saw Jesus in Brad.
Rest in peace, Brad. Now I'm going to put all your Piston's posters in the basement.
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