peace and thanks

 

This is the framed Bible verse that always hung in our bedroom all the years Ryan and I were married.  We had Colossians 3:12-14 read aloud at our wedding (both the one where we eloped and our family wedding).  It says, "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."  It was the model we wanted for our marriage.  We typed it up and mounted it in this frame (here in the picture) back in 2001.  I have read these verses hanging on my wall over and over again throughout the last 15 years.
But it was not until this week that I was reminded of the verses surrounding these three.  Verse 15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful."  Peace and thankfulness.
I always focused on Colossians urging to have a patient love for each other.  To seek humility and forgiveness and gentleness, knowing that love is what makes each of these traits easy to "put on" and clothes ourselves with.  But I loved having the reminder that the result of that love is peace.  And we should be thankful.  Be thankful.  Knowing that this was our marriage verse, it makes me realize that I do have peace in my heart when I think of our marriage.  And the time God gave me with Ryan was a gift.  A gift that I will forever be thankful for.
I have this frame tucked away in my spare closet right now, it just felt too painful to hang it up on my wall without Ryan.  But I wonder if, instead, I should type up verse 15 and hang it in my room, as a reminder that the peace of Christ rules in my heart (because of love) and that I am indeed thankful.