(Forgive me for my personal notes but I trust that you will see the hidden nuggets of truths for a special relationship with one’s spouse.)
There are many special events in each of our lives that are very significant life-changers or life-builders. These events serve, as reminders of precious moments in time when something special happened life and examples to others those great accomplishments are still possible even when the winds of opposition blow steadily against them.
One such event happened on August 26, 1961 when on that day I said, “I do,” to my beautiful bride. It seems like just yesterday when I experienced another of God’s mysteries in my life. It was a new creation of two individuals transformed or recreated into one. When He created the world and all the marvelous things in the world, He looked and saw that “it was good.” I somehow believe that when He creates the oneness in marriage, He also says that, “It is good.” I can also say along with Him, “It was, and is good.”
Many ask the question, “What is the secret for a marriage of fifty years?” One definition for the word secret is, “Something that remains beyond understanding or explanation; a mystery.” There are so many things that contribute to a long and healthy marriage but if I had to give just one, I would say, “Make God the head of your household and you will not only be happy but successful under His direction.”
We know that the sanctity of marriage has been under assault in recent years and the courts of this land have placed marriage into a part of the “throw-away” society. However, it really does not have to be that way. With all the attacks on marriage, it is still a miracle designed in heaven and given to us to enjoy here on earth.
So today, I restate something that I have heard over the years, “Behind every successful man are a brilliant wife, and a surprised mother-in-law.”[1] Thanks to my beautiful bride of fifty years (and God), my life has been unbelievably great! August 26, 1961 was a designated a “red-letter” day in my life. Our wedding was many years ago but our commitment must be renewed every day. The celebration of marriage is not an event; it is a process to be continued for a lifetime.
Of all the successes one may have in life, nothing is higher than to be blessed with a marriage of two hearts that beat as one. A marriage may never be perfect; after all, how can two imperfect individuals create a perfect union? However, as each tries to love the other without expecting anything in return, the joys of the honeymoon will stay alive and well.
One of my favorite Scriptures that I use in every wedding ceremony is, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”[2]
