I can not promise your own spacious house, But I promise where we live will be peaceful. I can not promise you the weather won't be cold, But I promise the warmth of my heart will always be near. I can not promise you treasures of the earth, But I promise to minister with you for treasures in heaven. I can not promise us constant good health, But I promise to give you unconditional love. I can not promise us perfect children, But I promise to love and accept our children. I can not promise we will not have our differences, But I promise to trust in grace for daily reconciliation. I can not promise we will always have the same interests, But I promise to be willing to sacrifice my self. I can not promise to meet all your needs of life, But I promise to help you develop vital relationships. I can not promise my emotions will always be at today's high, But I promise to always love you and communicate with you. I can not promise you I will always know the answer, But I promise to listen to God's Word and to pray. I can not promise you that our life will always be easy, But I promise that Christ will be our joy and strength. I can not promise that we won't change as we grow old, But I promise to let God mature our love over time. I can not promise we will together for all our tomorrows, But I promise I will be with you for all our earthly todays. I can not promise it won't hurt if death makes us part, But I promise that the God of eternity will help us carry on. I can not promise you anything that you can touch, But I promise you a solid foundation that will last forever. These three--My LORD, My Faith, and My Love. Alan Thomas Stokes December 29, 1994
For Anne Hostetler on her wedding to me. This poem was printed on the back of our wedding service bulletin.
