Today I am heading out to spend an evening alone with my bride as we celebrate our 14th anniversary.
Anne, I love you more than ever. Through you, God has dealt me overflowing grace, none of which I’ve deserved. I am honored and humbled to have grown together with you in our love of God. I have learned to love God more because you have taught me about God’s love, His faithfulness His kindness and mercy when through you He exhibited these traits and continues to do so. I look forward to the years ahead in anticipation. As in the past, we will experience tears and laughter, sadness and joy, heartbreak and heartleap, but always moving toward that indescribable place of Christ-likeness.
Anne, these are not just things that husbands have to say on their anniversary. You live what you believe. I remember once when I bought you some expensive jewelry. You did not respond with the jubilation that husbands are promised in commercials. You accepted graciously, but I knew that you were disappointed. This was not because the gift wasn’t good enough, but because to be lavished with extravagance is not your way. The jewels you wear are the trust and honor of your husband, the work of your hands, the product of your effort, your modest beauty, the comfort of the needy, the dignity of your family, the wisdom of your counsel, the kindness of your heart, the blessing of your children, the praise of your husband, the fear of your LORD and His delightful smile upon you.
Anne, many women have done excellently but you, my love, surpass them all!
I love you – Happy Anniversary.
Anne & Xavier Pacheco – Married July 20, 1996