This Valentine’s Day, Major Vukani and Captain Sindi Nkosi take a moment to reflect on the beautiful journey of their marriage—a journey that has shaped them in ways they never could have imagined. As they approach their 10th wedding anniversary, they pause to look back at the growth, challenges, and transformations they’ve experienced together. Their marriage has not only strengthened their connection to one another but has also drawn them closer to God. Through it all, they’ve witnessed His gentle refining work in their hearts, teaching them to love more deeply, trust more fully, and serve one another with grace. Today, they share an intimate glimpse into the way love, faith, and mutual support have been the foundation of their shared journey, reminding us all of the beautiful transformation that takes place when we let God lead the way.
We were reflecting recently on how marriage has shaped us, and it reminded us of a time when I (Sindi) shared with Vukani about watching my cousin make wooden bowls, spoons, and meat trays. He would start with a fresh log, leave it to dry, and weeks later, he would carve, chisel, and sand it into something beautiful. This process of shaping the wood made me think about how God has refined us in our marriage. As we approach our 10th wedding anniversary this year, we can see how God has worked on each of us, helping us move out of our comfort zones and build a life together. Like the wooden items, we’re still a work in progress, but we can recognize how God is shaping us.
We’re just two ordinary people who love God, love each other, and serve together. We try our best each day to follow God’s will, even with our flaws. God still has a plan for us and uses us for His Kingdom, despite our imperfections. Marriage has taught us to be selfless, to love deeply, to sacrifice for each other, and to encourage and empower one another. The Bible verse 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 has been the foundation of our marriage. We strive to live by it because it teaches us to love beyond our flaws and always put the needs of our spouse first. It pushes us to love in ways that go beyond what we can see or feel.
Through marriage, we’ve learned to wake up every day and choose to put aside selfish desires, asking God to help us be the best for each other. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s a process that has refined us to be better individuals. We’ve also realized that for our marriage to thrive, God must remain the firm foundation. We allow Him to guide us and work in us, making us better individuals and a stronger couple.
One of the greatest blessings in our marriage is how it has helped us raise our children. They remind us to pray before we eat or sleep, and that’s a daily reminder of the importance of God in our lives. It’s amazing how our children, in their innocence and purity, help us stay focused (even reprimand us at times) on what truly matters: our faith, our love for each other, and our commitment to serve God together.
Marriage has truly been a tool for God to refine us, shape us, and guide us. We’re thankful for this journey and the lessons we continue to learn. Marriage wins when love strives daily.