Our anniversary was marked as a “day off” on the calendar. We had several fun options of outings or restaurants in hopes of celebrating. But instead, the day found us takings naps, watching sitcom comedies and making homemade pizza and chocolate covered strawberries. Nothing too exciting or breath taking, but all fun aspects that made it feel special just the same. With a recent medical procedure for one of us and the other of us feeling tired from work and fighting off getting sick, the confines of home met us unexpectedly, but not unhappily.
And isn’t this what celebrating 32 years of marriage should really look like? Rather than grandiose gifts or expensive excursions, life together in the mundane is where it is at. Making little efforts to make the day feel special, even in our weaknesses and limitations, doing what you can with what you have, is what celebrating real life together is all about. A small planter of flowers brings joy and romance. And sitting together on the couch and praying for our children and grand-children brings thanks and contentment.
What a ride these 3 decades plus have been. We’ve walked under cherry blossoms together, moved cardboard boxes together, flown across the ocean with babies together, cried about ministry mistakes together…the list goes on and on. Celebrations and cheering. Disillusions and disappointments. In each of these, sticking-it-out even when hurt and frustrated. Covered by forgiveness. Propelled forward by obedience. Floating in a flood of God’s empowering grace which overflows with His goodness and faithfulness so evidently seen in the big and little areas of our life. God has grown us to know Him more and He has used our differences to buffer us to be more balanced and hopefully a little more like Jesus. It hasn't always been easy, but it has been good. And we have always been blessed.
Honey, I'm thankful or you. For a partner to walk along with; as we look back to see all God’s loving Hand has done and we trust Him to walk with us in the unknown, and at-times-overwhelming days ahead. You have been my rock. The one who listens and brings me back to truth and reality. And you have loved my wholeheartedly. You have been the leader of our home, (even when I am not the easiest to lead) modeling steadfastness and service. Being a fun daddy to our boys and playing catch and Catan. Your heart for others to know Jesus in infectios and spurs me, and others, to care the same. Today and always, I thank God for you.
To God be the Glory. Great things He has done.
