Happy Anniversary

Today is our 34th anniversary, the perfect opportunity to reflect on what God has done in the past 34 years.   I, myself, am rather astonished at the immense outpouring of His grace and love to get us to this place.

Thirty-four years ago we were two scared, angry, needy, people.  Both of us were newly divorced from others and newly entered into the Family of God.  I had three elementary-aged children, Smitty wanted kids, but didn't have any.   In those first years we fought a great deal, learned more about the Lord, and prayed.  The "D" word came up more times than I can count.  But, every time one of us would give up, God would send us some grace to make it to the next day.

We went to marriage counselors and marriage seminars and, slowly, began to realize that our lives were worth something because God had made us.  We recognized our neediness as a need to surrender to God and submit to one another.  We started playing on the same team, rather than being opponents.

Then God opened the door to use one of Smitty's great strengths, financial wisdom, to cause us to work more closely with each other as we shared that wisdom with other couples and singles.  This spendthrift woman finally saw the importance of planning a bit for the future and not counting her chickens before they hatched.

We raised the kids, saw them all married to amazing spouses, and have been either in the room or in the hospital for the births of 4 of our 8 grandchildren.   I am amazed at these adult children with whom we can share and pray and laugh.  I am thankful that we stayed together to see those 8 grandkids come into the world and begin the process of maturing.

Now we are living in Germany, ministering to many kids, and playing on the same team in ways I never thought possible.  Smitty is my best friend, a man of wisdom and maturity, the soul-mate I always wanted.   I am blessed beyond my wildest imagination.  He supports me in my passions, puts up with my drama, and loves me through my tears.  He even comforts me through my hurting, selfish times!

Thirty-four years ago today a man and a woman had a wedding, but the grace of God taught them how to have a marriage.  Happy anniversary, my love.  Here is to at least thirty-four more.