the girl with the new last name

My eyes opened while the morning was still young and covered in darkness. It was one of those mornings when you are startled out of a dream and it takes a few moments to remember where you are. I rolled over and looked at the outline of numbers keeping time beside my bed. 4:47. Then suddenly, like a wave of warm sea water the revelation hit me in the face.

Today I'm getting married.

And I heard nothing but my own heartbeat all day, until the moment he clutched my hand and I leaned into his shoulder during communion while the faces of our dear family and friends looked on. We took of His body and blood together -- the sacrifice that allowed God and man to become one -- the sacrifice that surrounds Brian and my unity. A song played around us and I listened to it now. Not the song, but the beat. His heart and mine. Together making promises for our lives that only the Sacrifice we take of could help us keep.

I took his name with me as I walked off of that stage. And I intend to keep it and honor it forever. Because marriage isn't something that just happens when two people fall in love. It's grandeur than a movie and closer than the rings around our fingers. Marriage is the sound of a veil tearing. Everything within you must unfold before the sinner you were made to love and respect, not just on the wedding day but every day.

I love my husband. And I adore the Giver of all good things, like marriage and the sweet man who is in this together with me. And I love my new last name.

"Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare." (Psalms 40:5)