Saturday, January 15, 2011

Katie and Luke

"A wedding calls us to our highest and best--in fact, to almost impossible---ideals. It's the way we want to live. But marriage reminds us of the daily reality of living as sinful human beings in a radically broken world." -Gary Thomas "Sacred Marriage"

As I reflect on the gigantic step of faith that my sister Katie and soon to be brother-in-law Luke are about to take in one week, I am amazed at their courage. Courage to commit to one person for the rest of their lives, to commit to walking through life's mountains and valleys, endure sickness and health, wealth and poverty, love and contempt... all in pursuit of working through the one type of relationship that Satan has targeted to destroy.

"We must never be naïve enough to think of marriage as a safe harbor from the Fall... The deepest struggles of life will occur in the most primary relationship affected by the Fall: marriage." -Dan Allender & Tremper Longman III

I look at Luke Patterson and see a man who is passionate about God's work. He has a desire to walk in obedience to God. From his commitment to volunteering at church to committing a year of discipleship training and missions... he loves the Lord. He has pursued Katie since her sophomore year of high school(that I can remember). Even when their friendship hit rocks, he remained a loyal friend who walked through difficulties of life with her despite an 8 hour distance when she went to school in Indiana. He is a man with many friends... good friends... true friends because he is a true friend...willing to drop everything to help someone out. He is not afraid of differences between people, not afraid to question a person, or call someone out. He's kind and thoughtful. He listens well and is considerate. He is courageous and I completely trust him to love Katie, work through differences, forgive her, help her, teach her, learn from her, respect her, and have fun with her.

Katie... when I think about what I'm thankful for about her, I am at a loss for words. She is the most beautiful girl. She's such a thoughtful sister. I remember when she was little, I told mom "You need to talk to Katie... she is the most selfish girl in the whole world." I laugh thinking about that. Katie has shown me so much about selflessness, humility, and service. She is so loving to people who are difficult to love. She has an ability to look past their shortcomings and have incredible empathy for them. She is always looking for her purpose in life... not wanting to waste the gifts God has given her. She is always up to have fun... sledding in snow, going to the humane society and walking puppies, going shopping, line dancing, shopping at Von Maur, dressing up, playing with make up, laughing at old videos, playing games... she is just someone that you would always want to have around.

Combining the two... fun, spontaneity, adventure, and adaptability are just a few words I can think of that might describe their marriage. They have a love that has already stood the test of difficulties, surprises and a fair amount of time. I see them raising wonderful kids who love Jesus and love adventure, I see them camping together, having friends and family over, leading mission trips, opening up their marriage to other young couples, counseling and mentoring, and most of all: honoring God through this gift of a relationship that he has given them.

I see both of them denying themselves for the other. Listening when they don't feel like it, loving when it's easier to hate, serving when they're on empty, laughing even when it's hard... and through so much denial of self in order to love the other, they will discover they are not only in an intimate loving relationship with one another but also and most importantly, an intimate and loving relationship with their Father in Heaven.

This picture = Katie and Luke perfectly:)


Special Gifts for one another


One of my favorites of these two:) Night of engagement!


I can't wait for Saturday, January 22, 2011. It is going to be so joyous!

1 comment:

  1. danielle, this was beautiful. made me tear up sitting here. i love reading your heart through words. thanks for sharing. very much looking forward to seeing you on such an amazingly joyous occasion!

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