Love’s Grown Deep
For My Beloved Wife (Amalia) on Our 36th Wedding Anniversary, January 20, 2026
My Dearest Love Amy,
Thirty-six years ago today, a young man stood at an altar—nervous, hopeful, and possessing a very limited understanding of the word “forever.” He made a promise to love you, to cherish you, and to walk with you through seasons he couldn’t yet name.
That young man was wiser than he knew, simply because he chose you.
As I listen to Nolan’s “Love’s Grown Deep,” I realize those lyrics weren’t just a melody we liked; they were a preview of our future. They were the providential blueprint of the life we were about to build together.
The Mathematics of Grace
(A Ledger of Love from One Accountant to Another)
They say love multiplies rather than adds. As accountants, we know that while the numbers don’t lie, they sometimes fail to capture the full truth. Let’s look at the books:
- 36 Years of joint filing (and joint living).
- 13,140 Mornings waking up beside you (and yes, I’m still counting them as “Grace Received”).
- 432 Months of choosing “Us” over “Me.”
- 1,872 Weeks of balancing ministry, career, and the beautiful chaos of a home.
The Audit Report: In our world, assets usually depreciate over time. But here is the divine paradox: our love only appreciates. It doesn’t divide; it compounds. The “Return on Investment” is immeasurable. The books don’t balance by human standards because we’ve received far more than we’ve given. That is the Economics of the Kingdom: Abundance from covenant.
The Song of Our Story: Tested by Fire
“Somewhere back in time, you became a friend of mine…”
We’ve watched this love grow through financial “red ink,” ministry storms, and the sacred, heavy sorrow of the little ones we couldn’t keep.
But perhaps it grew deepest in the quiet, terrifying rooms of hospitals. We have faced seasons of sickness—serious, scary moments where the world felt fragile and the future uncertain. In those valleys, we learned that a covenant doesn’t protect us from pain; it ensures we never walk through the fire alone. You were my strength when my body failed; I was your rock when the news was grim. Our love isn’t just a fair-weather song; it is a battle hymn that has survived the most grueling tests of health and heart.
“Love’s grown deep, deep into the heart of me…”
Today, I don’t know where “me” ends and “us” begins. You are woven into my prayers, my decisions, and my very breath.
Proverbs 31: The Anniversary Audit (with Footnotes)
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)
I found her. January 20, 1990. (The best fiscal year on record.)
- She rises while it is still night… (Footnote: Okay, maybe not “rises”… let’s say she negotiates with the alarm clock until the sun is safely up.)
- She provides food for her household… (Footnote: Even when “What’s for dinner?” is met with the accountant’s classic response: “Let’s look at the data… what do YOU want?”)
- She sets about her work vigorously… (Footnote: Especially when telling me to stop leaving my socks everywhere—she’s the Chief Compliance Officer of this house.)
- She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction… (Translation: She’s been right about everything for 36 years. My audit shows I should just listen the first time.)
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” (No footnote needed. This one is an absolute truth.)
The Vow I Renew Today
I will stay—not because of a contract, but because of a Covenant.
I renew the vows I made when I was young:
- For better or worse (and we’ve had both, haven’t we?).
- For richer or poorer (mostly poorer in the beginning, but we are billionaires in love now).
- In sickness and in health (a vow we no longer say by rote, but by experience).
Thank you for saying “Yes” thirty-six years ago, and for “Staying Yes” every morning since. Thank you for walking with me from the Philippines to Canada, from being young pastors to seasoned servants. Thank you for our two beautiful children, for the grandchildren we hope for, and for the faith that holds us when we cannot hold ourselves.
Thirty-six years down. Eternity to go.
Happy Anniversary, my darling.
Forever Yours,
Your Husband (Fellow Accountant, Ministry Partner, and Grateful Friend)
P.S.
I am excited to receive the Executive summary with these words:
“From a young friendship in 1990 to a love that’s grown deep in 2026—I’ve audited the last 36 years and the results are in: You are my greatest asset, and my heart is still 100% invested in you. Happy Anniversary!”
Signed:
Amalia
C.P.A. (Covenant Partner Always)
To our dear visitors:
Whether you are in your first year or your fiftieth, remember that love is a daily investment. It doesn’t grow deep overnight, but through every prayer, every tear, and every shared laugh. How has God shown His faithfulness in your journey? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
An Anniversary Prayer of Gratitude
Heavenly Father,
We stand before You today with hearts full of wonder. Thirty-six years ago, we made a covenant, but today we celebrate the fact that You are the one who kept it.
Thank You for being the Solid Rock beneath our marriage. Thank You for the “Mathematics of Grace”—for multiplying our joys, dividing our sorrows, and providing an abundance that we could never earn on our own.
Lord, we remember the valleys. Thank You for being present in those scary, silent hospital rooms and the seasons of sickness. When our strength failed, Your grace was sufficient. When the “red ink” of life made us anxious, Your providence was our peace.
Thank You for the two children You entrusted to us, and for the way our love has grown from the giddy excitement of youth into a deep, rooted friendship.
As we look toward the future, we ask for Your continued favor. Grant us more mornings together, more laughter that leads to tears, and—if it be Your will—the joy of grandchildren to tell our stories to.
May our marriage continue to be a “walking sermon” of Your faithfulness. Help us to keep choosing each other, keep forgiving each other, and keep pointing each other toward You.
Love’s grown deep, Lord—but we know that in You, the best is yet to come.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.