My wife LeeElla and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary on July 7 and Solomon's words about finding an excellent wife have proven so true in my experience.

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household," Proverbs 31:25-27.

We were both married when we were just a few years out of high school. Our only daughter Destiny gets married on July 22 and she too has just graduated from high school. One of the assurances she has of the wisdom of her choice to get married young is the foundation of witness she has had in beholding the love of her parents for each other.

When I married, all I had was childhood memories of deep pain, horror and devastating brokenness from the drama and trauma that resulted in my life as a result of my parents divorce. Marriage evoked a specter of broken promises and fairytales that end in happiness being eaten by darkness. 

One of the greatest gifts I have been blessed to give my children is the ability to believe in love. To know that a relationship with one woman or man can become the equivalent of a musician who becomes a master at playing one instrument. Marriage provides the context of time to grow a deep and lasting experience of one another that is held safe by our commitment of holy vows, a believing community, restful trust and growing faith.

I am eternally grateful to God for my wife and I pray at my daughter will enjoy the sacred gift of marriage, as much and more than we have experienced.