Growing up I always wanted a true best friend. I remember getting jealous when one of buds would favor another friend over me. But that desire for a true best friend never went away. I prayed and prayed for that best friend. I grew frustrated waiting but I realized I didn’t know what I was even truly waiting for. And, there were even times I felt like there was no one in this world that could ever be that best friend.
Until I met her. And all of that changed. The joy she brought into my life is amazing. We had so much fun dating. When I was done coaching each day I would rush out of football practice to my car just to drive to see her. She in Sacramento and me in Yuba City. We put a lot of miles on our cars when we dated. And I remember so clearly the day the Lord told me: marry that girl. Asking her to marry me on the bluffs of Santa Cruz was such a great day for so many reasons.
I found my best friend. Compassionate. Selfless. Caring. Fun-loving. Loyal. Beautiful. Honest. Her laugh still melts my heart to this day. And although our journey together as husband and wife has been short, I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. She is my best friend and we make an incredible team: Team Emery, the Awesome’s.
It was four years ago today, I pledged these vows to my wife:
Melanie, I thank my Heavenly father for you. His perfect love has captured my heart. Now filled with His love, my heart is yours. By His grace I will my life giving you my deepest devotion, my most tender car and my gentle leadership. Through the pleasures of the present and the uncertainties of the future, I will be faithful to you. Together, we will never walk alone. My heart will be your shelter. My arms will be your home. I submit my life to God’s call to live by faith, love and hope. Through our Lord Jesus Christ I humbly accept the privilege and responsibility of being your loving husband. I am yours for life.
And I pledge this all over again. Every day I ask the Lord to make me more like Him to be a better husband and father. I know there are times where I fall short of this and I so appreciate your grace and compassion. Thank you for believing in me and for sacrificing so much for our family. Your love and devotion is amazing and I am so blessed to be able to share in this amazing journey with you. I love you with all of my heart Melanie. You are truly my best friend and there isn’t anything in this world we can’t face together!
reflections of hope 