An Open Letter to Halle and Aaron
- Paul Batson
- Oct 11, 2020
- 2 min read
Yesterday was a great day as we celebrated the Wedding of Halle and Aaron.
I could go on and on about how time flies but I won't focus on the past right now as much as the future.
Friday night, through the tears of a toast, I tried to share some advice. I'm not sure how clear it was through the sniffles and blubbering so I thought I would take a moment to openly share
Dear Halle and Aaron,
I'm thankful for the chance to watch the two of you grow and mature over the past few years and am so excited to see what God accomplishes through you in the years to come.
Aaron, every night since February 19, 1998, I have prayed for you. I did not know you but knew that God did and prayed that He would pour out his grace, mercy and wisdom over you. I am thankful for you.
Halle, I am proud of the lady you have become. You are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. I love you and I like you forever!
The Union of two followers of Christ has more significance than we can ever imagine!
The ultimate goal of your marriage is more than a safe retirement portfolio, a nice house with kids and a couple of cars. While these things are inherently good, don't let these things become idols. Focus on things that have eternal significance!
One of my favorite quotes that I think summarizes this well comes from Dr. James Dobson.
"When I reach the end of my days, I must look backward on something more meaningful than the pursuit of houses and land and machines and stocks and bonds. Nor is fame of any lasting benefit. I will consider my earthly existence to have been wasted unless I can recall a loving family, a consistent investment in the lives of people, and an earnest attempt to serve the God who made me. Nothing else makes much sense. "
While originally intended for individuals, I think his quote has tremendous application to marriages as well. Don't be satisfied with a marriage that only pursues "the American Dream". It is meant for so much more!
My prayer now is that God will use your marriage to invest in the lives of people like never before and that the Good News is proclaimed boldly through your life together. Nothing else makes much sense.
I love you!
Paul
