Remembering the soft glow of candles, the scent of gardenias, and the melody of carefully selected music takes me back to a hot June afternoon in 1973. Even now, I see the look in my Daddy’s eyes as he and I stood alone on the steps outside our church.
On this day my father chose to wear his university class ring, silently letting me know that, for him, this was no ordinary day. He twisted the ring on his finger, and I watched him conjure up enough courage to walk his only daughter down the aisle.
Ah, the memories!
Marriage has been good to Larry and me. Down this road of 48 years, I love this man so much that I miss him when he walks into the next room! And, after more than four decades, a walk holding his hand still makes my heart go pitter-patter. (How can it be?)
Now, as we approach this 48th wedding anniversary, I reflect upon maximum joy and minimum regrets. And yet, mistakes do weave themselves into the realities. What are some examples?
Assuming he knows what is wrong, what is bothering me, or what is on my mind.
Expecting us to agree on the importance of an organized basement.
Taking advantage of my husband’s gracious spirit toward me by not learning to be punctual.
Trusting him to remember that putting my clothes in the dryer is not helpful.
Violating our clearly defined boundary of a no-chat zone. Though I delight in chatty conversation while we are getting ready, he values focus and solitude.
Anticipating that we share the same mindset about, “This needs to be fixed.”
Thinking we operate with the same definition for shopping.
Brining up tense, tiring, or troublesome topics at bedtime.
Believing that eating popcorn out of the same bowl will represent a mark of our mature marriage and warm companionship.
However, all mistakes pale when I realize that this man still loves Jesus more than he loves me. And every single day he wakes me up with a kiss, a cup of coffee, and the words, “I love you.” And this is the man who answers the question: “How long have you been married?” with the words, “Not long enough.” WOW!
Amazing grace—after 17, 520 days!
Always ready to do whatever it takes to make life work!
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
I have made a ton of mistakes in life, but God be praised, I got it right when I said “yes” to this man’s question: Will you go with me in helping to reach the world for Christ?”
“Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory . . . “ (Psalm 115:1).
