It’s the last day of November and I’m not thinking of Christmas. As I unpack boxes in our new house, my mind keeps landing on what happened thirty-two years ago today. After knowing each other for six months and seeing each other only a handful of times, Tom Freshwater and I tied the knot. The decision to marry Tom was my crowning moment; right up there with following Jesus.
Tonight we’ll celebrate at a casual vegan cafe’ rather than a steak restaurant, because that suits us. I’ll dress up in my cute gray skirt and pretty blouse and the pearls Tom gave me on our wedding day. I’ll smile and enjoy his compliments that are sure to come. We’ll reminisce, look at old pictures and enjoy the comfort that oneness brings.
Several weeks ago as I was wrapping a shower gift, I began to think about the young couple soon to be married. I searched for a card and pondered a message. Typically I write something like, “This will be your most exciting adventure yet!”or “It’s going to be wonderful to wake up to your best friend each day!”. This particular day, however, I was feeling a little spunky; honest, raw or even a little cynical. Romance— I just wasn’t feeling it.
I thought about marriage and how God originated the whole idea way back in the beginning with Adam and Eve. I remembered how God compares marriage to Christ and the Church.
Many years ago, I recalled, we attended a wedding, and I saw what seemed to me an application of biblical truth. I looked at the groom and thought, “I could never be married to him.” Fortunately his bride was crazy over him! It occurred to me that Jesus loves his church-bride like crazy too, even though who would ever want to live with us? What a mystery — Christ and the church. So much like the mystery between husband and wife. Jesus gave His life for us and we give our lives to each other. Even when we’re stinky and don’t like one another.
Back to that note I was writing to the bride. I said that I believe marriage is God’s most brilliant idea. Not because it’s blissful all the time. But because it’s such a perfect blend of something like bliss and something like real difficulty. The perfect recipe for us to grow and change and become better human beings. Don’t we Christians always say we want to be like Jesus? Marriage is the best recipe! Honestly, you’re living with someone day in and day out! No doubt that other person has different opinions and weird habits and doesn’t even know how to put the seat down!
If you’re on a marriage journey, may I suggest (preaching to myself) that you give it your all. Keep moving towards your mate and remember that the natural result of inaction or complacency is to grow apart. Marriage takes hard work and selflessness, but from my perspective it gets better every year!
There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.
Martin Luther
8 Comments
❤ it!
Thanks Ruth!
Perfectly said. Happy Anniversary!
Thanks Emmie!
Well said by one who walked thru challenging, difficult places. People could tend to look at you and asssune life has been so perfect, giving all the reasons why. Instead your lives have been perfectly connected and show a long obedience in a right direction…that has allowed Him to bear fruit,even in the darkness.thank you both for “going the distance “.
I can say the same thing to you, my friend! Thank YOU for going the distance, also! Love and hugs to you both!
Hi Myra,
I was delighted to receive in my inbox your latest blog post. First- although a belated wish- Happy Anniversary! May your journey forward continue to be blessed with the presence of Christ at the center. Our family is settling into our new home as well. I am taking it slowly with arranging and organizing as I have the time to live the home, see what our needs are and what works best for some of the rooms which will do double duty going forward.
I recall with great fondness your kindness in meeting me shortly after I had arrived in Wilmington. It will always be one of my favorite examples of kindness I encountered during a time when I was a bit sad and missing my Maryland people! Thank you again. I will extend the same kindness to anyone in a similar situation – all because of your example.
I have explored the area and God has given me the courage to take a chance and follow a long enjoyed interest – I have applied to take the Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener course. I don’t even need to worry about what will come next- I just need to step out and God will provide the direction. We shall see… with wonder and excitement.
I wish you and your family blessed Advent and Christmas seasons.
Fondly,
Lisa Wulff
Lisa, You’ve made my day! I’ve always thought the Master Gardener Course would be great to do! Enjoy! Glad to hear you’re doing so well and thank you for encouraging me. We are clearly in similar seasons:)
Merry Christmas and Love, Myra