[Adapted from the Archives]
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. – Colossians 3:15-20
On August 4, we will be 40 years married! Whew! Thanks be to God!
The flight of years shows in our bodies and minds, but for us, it is most apparent in the launch of adult children into their own lives, work, and marriages. Then…it comes back to just the two of us…and I am grateful for his company.
Our marriage has always been of a quiet steady sort . My husband and I married best friends. We were polar opposites in most ways, except our faith and being raised in Southern families, with Godly, praying mamas. He was “read and follow directions” marrying “fly by the seat of her pants.” It was definitely a match made in Heaven because we would need the God of Heaven to keep us on course as we figured marriage out…both without and, later, with children.
In fact, those of you who know us well know the struggles we have had figuring out parenting (both young children and then adult children). Also the challenges of having very different ideas and giftings on doing life. I’ve written so much about this in my journals over the years, wrestling with God and my own heart in these areas. Should our kids read those journals one day, I trust them to handle the pages of angst about our marriage with gentleness and understanding. Hopefully they have always seen us pull together more than pull apart.
I’ve often quoted Elisabeth Elliot on love and marriage. Two thoughts come to mind. She speaks of love as being “a laid-down life.” She also talks of marriage as being good for Christians to mature in their walk with God, because [in marriage] “there’s so much scope for sinning.” My husband has taught me a lot in both of these areas, and I, him – hopefully more on the lines of laying down our lives for each other, rather than the scope for sinning part…sigh.
Whatever these nearing forty years have produced with us together, the best of it has been 3 great young people (and the 2 beautiful extra children who’ve joined our family through them, so far)…and GRANDCHILDREN! Alongside those treasures is the unalterable way the Lord has knit us together, my husband and me, with each other and with Him.
I have some idea what is ahead, given our ages and the world around us (we’ve already been through a cancer diagnosis, big job changes, losses of dear parents, and sickness in our children and grandchildren). The hard is softened by what is promised (and proven) through God’s Word. Whatever is ahead, I am so grateful for what I’ve learned through this man who married me 40 years ago.
He has given me the face of a man who does not give up, of one who never leaves the room, of one who fights for what is right, of one who is tender toward the weak, of one who loves no matter what. I have been both the recipient of this and the one by his side as he extends himself to others.
Now, we are two again…as in the beginning of our relationship. Yet we are at a very different place. God has shown Himself to be ever-present in all these years of our lives. For many years I didn’t think marriage was to be mine…then Dave came into my life quite providentially. God gave me exactly what I needed in this husband of mine – a man as true as steel in his walk with God and with his family. We count on him; he counts on God. Whatever happens out there in front of us…I have peace, on this 40th anniversary, that God will be there for each of us, to show us how to live…as He has in all these years thus far.
Through the Years – YouTube video of Kenny Rogers Ballad
YouTube Video – Jesus and You – Matthew West
YouTube Video – You’re Still the One – Shania Twain [Twain’s “still the one” is no longer her one, but the song is beautiful. So I wanted to keep it in this list since Dave’s still my one.]
YouTube Video – Brandon Lake – NOTHING NEW (I DO) – Wedding Version ft. Brittany Lake
An example of Elisabeth Elliot’s counsel to one marrying – Always forgive.
A stunning tribute to God’s great faithfulness over the year! Your beautiful words make me smile and miss both of you so much. I sure love you all!
Congratulations, Debbie and Dave, on 40 years!!
Thanks, Lisa! See you soon!
Happiest Anniversary wishes!!
I love your honesty and your great words of encouragement which is so needed in the time of continued attacks on marriage and family. In this disposable and constant endorphin-rush society- where our enemy is actively seeking to devour the Lord’s children, your words of trust in the Lord and in His power to strengthen and grow us through it are refreshing to this tired child. We love you all! And a very heartfelt congratulations to you and Dave!
Sharon! Always appreciate your thoughts. It’s definitely a crazy world out there. We are grateful for God’s great grace…and the community He has given us to get us through the hard places. You are in that community. Much love!
Love this and we love you guys!! Thank you for sharing my dear Debbs !!
Love you, Jeka! You are such a blessing to me! See you soon, I hope.
Beautiful, as usual. I couldn’t help but smile seeing pictures of your family smiling through the years. It’s true, that we age together, we know beyond certainty that God blesses our every moment. May God continue to bless you and your family! I’ll look forward to reading your post on your 50th anniversary!
Marquita! Thanks so much for stopping by, and thanks for the blessing! If God gives us 50 years together, I pray we both keep our minds…we’ll need them for sure! Again, thanks!