Happy Anniversary, Mary!

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24 ESV). Yep, forty-six years ago, Mary and I exchanged our wedding vows and began this incredible journey. We were so much younger then than now. Our dreams and hopes were vibrant and full. We had the world ahead of us and could not imagine anything better than that moment. Can I say that the journey, while full of surprises, has been more than we dreamed or hoped for. We knew we wanted a family; however, little did we know we would be given such an incredible blessing with our sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. They have been an incredible source of joy and happiness. It has been very easy to “hold fast” to them through the years. We knew we wanted a ministry through the church; and, while it has not always been easy to “hold fast” to the work, it has always been our holding fast to each other that made every calling of God a joy and blessing. We have lived in three different states, ten different cities, and so many different houses that I’ve lost count. Through all of that we have learned that holding fast means you simply let your anchor down in whatever port you find yourself. Home is, after all, where the heart is; and, you always take your heart with you. Mary has been the real anchor through all of that. We have dealt with illness and loss, none of which was expected that wintry day in Bryan, Texas, when we said our vows. However, our promise was for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. We held fast. I suppose I could say it was easy to do that, but that wouldn’t true. It required effort. It required work. But it was always a labor of love. This is not the kind of love that “feels” good all the time. Sometimes our emotions fail us. This kind of love, a love that holds fast, is kept by the vow. The promise keeps us. I remember after my last surgery, waking up briefly after a six hour procedure, looking at her waiting beside the bed and saying, “I’m sorry. I know you didn’t sign up for this.” Her reply was so simple. She said, “Of course I did.” And, I quickly drifted off to sleep for another six hours while my heart began to heal from the surgery. My prayer for each of you is that you will find this kind of love. If you are married, hold fast. If you are single, hold out for that one who will hold fast with you. God has that one for you. And, now, I suppose I simply close this little bit of history by saying Happy Anniversary to my bride of 46 years! Thank you Mary!