to have & to hold

Matt and Katie never thought they would be together. Even though they attended the same elementary school, junior high, and high school, they had virtually nothing in common. They were in different grade levels, had different interests, and had their own circle of friends. In fact, it was only after college that they even had their first conversation, and even then they found that they did not like each other. Thankfully, as time went on they realized just how wrong they were. As Matt got to know Katie, he found he admired her tender heart and genuine kindness. He loved the way the Gospel was so real in her life that it poured into every aspect of her being, while Katie realized Matt was not so bad. Despite their budding affection for each other, Katie felt like she still was not ready to date. She was insecure in her own abilities and was unsure of if she should even consider pursuing a romantic relationship. She even went so far as to tell Matt to get over her because there was little chance they would ever work out. Unperturbed, Matt would not go softly into the night. Over the last few years of their friendship, he had seen enough to know Katie was the one for him and steeled within himself the resolve to pursue her. He took every chance to get to know her, whether it be over text, in a group or simply just being around her. He brought her soup when she was sick, helped her when she had car problems, and made sure she knew she was valued by him for who she was. He never gave up on the woman of his dreams. Thanks to Matt’s insistence, Katie eventually came to see and appreciate Matt’s willingness to love sacrificially. His love for the Gospel helped Katie better see just how much she is loved by Christ. Matt and Katie's relationship has been one of both triumph and trial, mountain-top-highs and valley-lows, and through it all they recognize that it has been Christ’s sovereign hand that has brought them to this place of love, sacrifice, and commitment.