I love this photo. The tearful joy of her groom, and her holding back tears as well, speaks volumes about the feelings they share. Their eyes are only for each other.
But that's not the reason I picked this photo as the topic of today's discussion; I picked it because of the simplicity of the moment. She is not adorned in expensive attire, and he doesn't even have a coat. This wedding photo is about the couple making a commitment to each other. There is no "pomp and circumstance" only elegant simplicity.
3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."
1 Peter 3:3-4
The Apostle Peter addresses wives and husbands in this chapter of the Bible. He directs men to love their wives, and wives to put on display their inner beauty, which he says is "unfading." Think about it...as we get older, our outward beauty fades. Stress and the environment can negatively impact our beauty as well. But a gentle and quiet spirt remains calm and balanced during times of adversity. When you are being who God made you to be your inner beauty shines on. When you are true to who you are, you can be "known" by your husband because your self-esteem is not based on your outward appearance. When a man is able to "see" his fiancee's internal beauty, hear her spirit, know what makes her happy, and what hurts her heart, then he is able to truly love her.
Return to the simple pleasures in life. Seek peace and understanding. Hold onto love with those who are of common spirit, and forgive freely and often. We all desire to be loved, to be cherished, and to be admired, not just on our wedding day, but every day. Start by loving yourself first. Embrace your inner truth. Let the love of God shine through your unfading beauty and enjoy the gifts that return.