Surrender

God, I surrender Milwaukee. I lay down Wisconsin. (Most important words I've prayed in a long time).

David and Elise's wedding

Karen and I were in San Francisco for my friend Dave's wedding this past week. Dave asked me to be the best man, and it was one of the proudest moments of my life standing next to him as tears dripped from his eyes as he watched his bride walk to him. That moment contained so much joy, love, expectancy, longing, and it was overwhelming. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. My own longing to see my bride, my love, Karen walk towards me was right there with me in that moment, and I wasn't sure if the tears forming at the edges of my eyes were of joy for David or sadness for Karen and I. Our wedding couldn't come soon enough. It wasn't jealousy, just sadness and longing. As the night continued, both emotions grew and grew. Joy and celebration for Dave with sadness and longing for Karen and I. Karen felt it too, even more strongly than me. And as Dave and Elise drove away, Karen and I walked down the block and out of sight. I held her as she cried and cried. And my heart hurt badly. Inside I was feeling the same thing she was.

It seems there are so many obstacles in the way of Karen and I getting married. Things that we shouldn't have to deal with. People who shouldn't be set against us. But they're there. And God, I so need you to be the incredible God you are. The LORD who says that nothing is impossible for Him. I pray that by bringing us together in marriage, your glory would be on full display.

I feel a rush of emotion as I think about the past week, and the beautiful wedding that it was. And how proud I am of Dave and Elise, and how blessed I am to be called their friend.