50 Years and Still Going Strong!
This past weekend my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage… that is a long time in any generation much less this generation. It was great to have family and friends from all over come in and celebrate with us. We had some folks come in that I haven’t seen in a long while and it was great to catch up and hear where everybody is at with family and everything.
At the Anniversary party Saturday night we divided up the decades by pictures and had dad and mom comment about some highlights of that season of life. What stands out is that you know during all of those decades, years, months, weeks, days that little decisions, big ones and everything in between were having to be made and yet when looking back you don’t really remember those stressful moments. What stands out are stories of moments with people, friends, family.
Several people shared the impact that both my parents had had on them for the season that their paths crossed. Difficulty will always arise when people are present but one thing I have watched and tried to apply to my life is to try not to burn bridges. There are times and circumstances that causes us to on occasion confront, speak up or into a situation. There are times where you will be misunderstood, unfairly criticized or taken advantage of, under-appreciated… it goes on and on but the work of Christ can be and should be strong enough within us to respond in a way that is Christ-honoring.
I have watched my parents live that out and now after 50 years they are still connected with those in their past in a significant way.
I am so glad that Christ did not burn the bridge to my heart and soul. I am grateful that he responds not as we deserve or what is fair but by grace and mercy with steadfast love!
If Gloria and I make it 50 years on this earth than I would be 79… yikes!
