Monday, July 4, 2011

It's Time Once Again...

...to celebrate. It's time to remember an event from the past. No, I'm not talking about the thing that happened 235 years ago. This event is in the more recent past. Thirty one years ago, as a matter of fact.

Yes, that's right. It's time once again to celebrate the day that Jan and I said, "I do." Tomorrow, July 5 is our thirty-first anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been that long, but on the other hand, it seems as if we have been married forever. I have a hard time imagining what it was like to be single. In fact, I can't imagine life without Jan.

Over the years we have grown as individuals, and as a couple. God has brought us through so many different experiences, some that were joyous and some that tried our faith. We've raised two children and experienced much that goes along with that. We've seen three of our four parents age and pass from this earth. We've had tough financial times when we wondered where the money was going to come from, and we've had times when we could pass on some extra to those in need. We've lived in the Washington, D.C. area, Cincinnati, and Rock Hill, SC. We've worked in the same schools, and we've spent time in different jobs. Through it all, we have seen the Father take care of us and provide for us in ways we never could have imagined.

Our faith journey has taken its share of twists and turns. We've spent time in different types of churches, and are currently part of a fellowship that meets in a house. Our understanding of and relationship with God has changed and grown over our life together. As our relationship with God has deepened, our love for each other has deepened as well. I am learning more and more how to love Jan as Jesus loved the church, although I still have a long way to go. Again, the faithfulness of Abba has been an amazing thing.

The last thirty one years have been a wonderful part of my journey. I'm extremely thankful to God for the precious gift he gave me in Jan. I'm looking forward to what the next thirty one + years will bring.

Jan, I love you so much more than yesterday, and so much less than tomorrow.

2 comments:

Williams Arena said...

A beautiful tribute! Congratulations and best wishes.

Fred Shope said...

Thank you

Moving On

It's been a while since I've written here. Life has been happening the past few months. I have decided to start fresh, so I'm mo...