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Celebration

I've always wanted to be in Paris to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.  But the time arrived sans tickets to my place of celebration.  Yet, I find myself realizing that celebration is not bound by place or circumstance.  In fact, celebration like so many matters of the heart is more about who you are and not the situations you create.

Case in point, I noticed as I rode the bike path that the backyards of many homes are  quite unkempt.  True, a lot of them have horse stalls, but even the surrounding areas  are filled with wild weeds, dried out grass or just plain dirt.  When you travel down the street side, the front aspect of their home is shown, and a different view is there for you to see.  The lawns are neatly manicured and gardens trimmed.  Some homes are freshly painted but only on the front, the sides are left undone.  I often wonder why?  It seems we're interested more in curbside appeal than finishing the job.  Not unlike marriage, sometimes we tend to seek the "front" to create the mood, the moments that we seek for joy and happiness.  Yet, it's actually the day in and out of ordinary life with one another that is the true celebration.  Celebration comes from working and enduring.  It's the outcome of gratitude for each other.

Of course, a Paris trip would be great, but if I never get there, I'll be content.  I have my husband's care and faithfulness to only me these many years.  So, I'll keep the "celebration" sans the "front."   

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