It was just seven years ago today that Bethany walked down the aisle to a tall and teary-eyed me. It was Yakima, Washington in December and it was the perfect day. A little snow on the ground, but sunny. It was cold outside, but everything was warm inside. I was a scared twenty-one year old with really no money in my pocket, but that was the last of my worries because here came my bride arm-in-arm with her daddy. Pastor Scott joked as Bethany and her dad stopped at the front of the aisle when he said, “There’s just a lot of emotion up here right now!” We all laughed, but it was true.
I remember someone telling me, “Now Shay, you have to tell yourself in your head what you’re doing during the ceremony so you’ll remember it.” I took their advice and it helped. I told myself, “Here she comes” and “We’re saying our vows” and “I’m putting on the ring.” But that all stopped when I grabbed my guitar. I had prepared to sing a song to Bethany but all I can remember was the feeling that my legs were going to give out any second. Playing guitar and singing in front of people wasn’t the issue–I had done that before. My main problem was that I was singing to Bethany and I was out of my league… way out. With wobbly legs, a shaky voice, and the help of one of my groomsman who played the piano I somehow made it through the song and I couldn’t help but think back on that today.
The lyrics to the chorus say simply “…she’s all that I see and she’s all that I need, And I’m out of my league once again.” That was true seven years ago and it’s probably more true today: she’s out of my league. Bethany is a selfless, Christ-honoring wife that any guy would kill to have. It doesn’t take people we meet very long to begin to wonder why the heck she’s with me. Trust me, I don’t know either! We’re not even in the same league. If this was baseball she would be a first round pick on the Dodgers and I would down playing co-ed slow pitch soft-ball in the church league. But despite my deficiencies, my failures, and my silliness she continues to love me. I’m so thankful the Lord blessed me with an amazing wife. As Pastor Scott still tells me today, “Shay, you definitely over married!” He’s right. I did.
I love you, babe. I’m praying for another 7 years.
