Our world sure does look a lot different since our last anniversary. And not just because of the dystopian TV series 2020 has been. In the past year, our marriage has weathered storms of unemployment, depression, hope deferred, and faith lost and found. Renewing our vows was supposed to mark an exciting new beginning for us. Instead, it was our most tumultuous year yet.

But looking back along the days, weeks, and months, it’s impossible to miss God’s loving hand. We received unimaginable gifts of unity, time, healing, redefinition, and deepening in our trials. We were given a new identity together—finally one instead of two.⁣⁣

When we planned the renewal, our pastor laughed at (with) us in excitement over drawing from Revelation instead of the usual 1 Corinthians 13. What better words to speak over our remade relationship than the ones God spoke over His remade creation?⁣⁣

We are His people, and He is our God, and all old things have passed away.⁣

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Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” [Rev 21:1-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬]⁣⁣