OK everybody up! Rise and shine! Good Morning To You Good Morning To You …… and Happy 42nd Anniversary to my lifetime partner and husband, Tim.
I’ve written about commitment a LOT and today that’s what it’s all about. On this day, January 16, 1971 Tim and I were married at the little church in Bergland, Michigan where my dad was the pastor. Happy 42nd anniversary to us. From the day Tim said to my dad, “Can I have your daughter’s hand in marriage?” and my dad’s reply, “What about the rest of her?” we were committed. My dad told us when he tied the knot, he tied it so tight it wouldn’t come apart, and I guess he was right about that. Not that there have not been times when challenges frayed us to the point that knot was hanging by a thread, but it stayed tied. Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. “ In those times, it was God, that third cord, that kept us together.
We had a Sunday School teacher, Bob McNeil, who taught a series on marriage and family life, I still remember him saying that the biggest reason for the high divorce rate is because people enter into marriage with the attitude that divorce is an option. As long as we tell ourselves we can get rid of the marriage if it doesn’t work out, that divorce is an option, the chances are pretty good that we’ll take what’s behind door number two and bale when life gets tough and things look better “over there”. Divorce happens for any number of very good reasons. We live in a fallen world and marriages, despite the struggles to stay together, sometimes dissolve. That’s reality.
In 42 years, we’ve certainly had our challenges. Many times if I’d had a towel, I’d have thrown it in. In those times it would have been easy to let that knot just fall apart. In those times it was only the Lord who held us together. Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” In those times, I wanted to be blessed and I craved peace. I’m sure Tim did too. God didn’t promise us an easy life but he promised to go through it with us and be our strength when our own was gone.
Our life verse has been, Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.“ Life has never been easy, but it’s still worth it. Happy Anniversary, Tim! I love you still and forever. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Nx5M1DPg6w
Awonderful Happy 42 Aniversary to both of you. yes you two have had many rough times along with god you also had the Love and faith of your family. We Love you Both very much. God bless you and give you another 42 years.
Thank you Jennie. I think we can all agree there are many tough times for everyone. But there are many wonderful times that we remember more. Love you!
This iPhone keyboard was made for a Barbie Doll. Please forgive typos.
Thank you, Jennie! I’m thinking we’ll have 42 years more, but I expect to be breathing celestial air and walking on streets of pure gold by then.
Love you, sister!
Happy Anniversary! May God bless you both for another 42 years. Love you, Connie
Thank you Connie! I still remember the first time I met you. Tim and I were just going together at that time. Look how long we’ve been friends. Love you!
This iPhone keyboard was made for a Barbie Doll. Please forgive typos.
Thank you, Connie! We’ve had some really great years. And just look at the family I inherited.
Love you, sister!
Happy Anniversary Jane!
Thank you so much Karen. And I really appreciate you for reading my blog.
I hope you’re doing great!!
Mazel tov and God bless you both:).
We’re a few years behind you, but I can appreciate the living that lies behind your words. Sounds like you have it together, rain or shine, happy and sad, up or down …
BTW, thanks for that link at the end, which reintroduced me to a singer who I enjoyed some time ago and then forgot. A small serendipity:)
Best wishes for the rest of the journey …
John
Thank you do much for your kind words. God did me a favor Or maybe he did my family and friends a favor by giving me a pretty sunny disposition. Ups and downs and a party in my head most of the time.
PS
I reposted this in a FB group called “Team Faith Builder” which is for Christian and spiritual bloggers. Becky Robinson, who I platonically worship, is the manager. You might check us out – we’re quite varied in spite of our focus.
I admire Becky very much! I’ve been blessed by a real life telephone conversation with her. I don’t blame you for worshipping her.
I pray for team faith builders and Becky’s varied enterprises regularly.
God bless you all with many successes and much joy.
Jane
I’m so happy for you and Tim! I just want to let you know that seeing this message has inspired me and it makes it feel like you are still just a few feet away from me at work. Take care & Congrats on yours and Tim’s accomplishment. Diane
Aw Diane, you are a sweetheart. Thank you for your kind words. And thank you so much for reading my blog.