WOW,
I think about what God has done in and through my life and marriage over the past years and I never would have guessed I would be where I am today, doing what I am doing. If you are one of my old friends from high school, I bet you are thinking the same thing…So, if you have not come to a place where you believe in God, maybe you should reconsider it. I mean if He can change my life…just saying.
OK, I said I would not “preach” here, so I will stop.
Yesterday, August 26th was the 25th Anniversary of my wedding day to Holly Lynn. I will not do a complete recounting of all that has happened. But, I do have some things to share with you.
I realized while we were enjoying a weekend getaway (Thanks Miriam for watching your younger siblings by the way. YOU ROCK!) at a local hotel here in Panama City that marriage is both work and just downright enjoyable. It is like investing time into your favorite hobby or activity. You look back at when, where and how you started. Do you remember the first steps you took to invest in your hobby, project or activity? Gathering the materials and resources to make it turn out just right. The mistakes that get made along the way. The lessons learned from those mistakes- the pain of enduring hard times and the joys of celebrating little triumphs?
That is kind of like what marriage is. Investing time into to someone you love. trying to get things right, stumbling and fumbling along the way. Wanting it to be just right for both of you. Learning lessons from mistakes and celebrating the victories together with the woman I love. I would not repeat most of my mistakes again, but I am glad that our past has shaped us and formed us into the individuals and the couple we are today.
In marriage, as with your favorite activity, sometimes you encounter situations and problems that you are unfamiliar with. These days, a quick Google search and you have tons of ideas, suggestions and plans to do just about anything. You can find information on just about anything with a search engine and the web. In marriage, we have looked to others for counsel and pressed on with what we learn about ourselves and each other. The Bible tells us that there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors. The fun part of this is when you can start sharing what you are learning with others around you. Younger couples- both in age or time together- that can now come for “advice” and we have the practical experience to share with them. We are not perfect, we still argue. BUT, we also make up!
There are lots of things I could tell you about how wonderful and amazing my wife is. I could tell you how she is both my best friend and biggest critic. Those two are not mutually exclusive you know- critique is not the same as criticize. I could give examples of how she exhorts me to be both a better father and husband, but I will not bore you with these- trust me she is the best.
She is an amazing mother. Her capacity to nurture and love the kids is awesome. She is so intuitive and involved in their lives. Cares for them, prays for them. Loves them, encourages them—ALL 9 of them!
I am blessed beyond words. Thanks Holly Lynn for 25 great years. I am looking forward to another 25 or more! I say in front of the whole world of internet readers- “I love you. Thanks for being you and thanks for loving me.”
Happy Anniversary