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25 Years

I woke up with the realization today of 25 years of marriage.  I had to wonder, how did we get to this point in our lives, where did all those years go?  I feel somewhat surprised when I realize that I have lived longer with this man than my own family of origin.  But that is just a naive statement in comparison to my parents who were married 66 years.  That's a lifetime!  I am always reminded of their marriage whenever I make waffles.  I have their wedding gift of a waffle iron, given to them in 1936, and it still makes the best waffles ever!  Now that certainly speaks of commitment and consistency!  Or better yet, it speaks of endurance, being a proven product that continues to provide quality.  Maybe one message for marriage is to be consistent and committed in your love, but more importantly, be enduring.  We have traveled the rocky road of adulthood together and now are entering the older set of years, endurance is no longer an option, it's a must . . .

Marriage has never been a 50/50 proposition.  It has been a steady state of balance, with one of us at times having to shoulder more or less.  You can do that as you support the other with their strengths and allow your weaknesses to improve.  All of that takes place in this arena of faithful fidelity.  I am thankful that when I view my husband, I see that he has always had only eyes for me, even to this day. I think I recognized that quality in him when we first went fishing together.  He was the only one I knew who could contentedly fish all day, even if he didn't have one bite. . .  

So what have I learned of marriage over these 25 years?  Probably, very little as I seem to struggle in writing down my thoughts.  One thing I have learned is that our marriage is evidence of God's grace.  It's not that we've been lucky or that we found each other as our soul mate, but rather our marriage has been God's gift to us.  He graced our lives with His very presence and has given us a kaleidoscope of life experiences.  Perils, trials, challenges, children and grandchildren, pittance and surplus, sorrow and celebrations all are better shared with the companionship of one another.  It's kind of like having your waffles, not only topped with maple syrup, but fresh berries too!


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