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| Newly wed 2001 |
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| 2026: 25 years later, I have piled on the rings--one for each child born. |
This June, Sam and I celebrate our 25th wedding
anniversary. We also celebrate his birthday and mine (a little later this month).
Look what God has done!
I can’t believe it’s been 25 years. It feels like the years
flew by—perhaps that’s what happens when you are having fun.
It’s been a piece of cake—rich and tasty. It’s also been a
mountain (we are still on it) – the uphill climbs with slippery slopes, rugged
edges, plateaus with green pastures and water ponds. The challenges have been
great but our friendship and union under God has been greater. We have won many
battles; we have lost a few as well. We’ve spent countless hours getting to
know each other. Knowing of the other never ends because humans are evolving.
Mary at 22 is different from Mary at 33, is different from Mary at 44 and so
on.
Mary today has a whole new perspective on life. Experiences
and perceptions that were once mysteries have been explored and yet there is
still more. One thing that keeps us going is a commitment to riding the waves
together. Watching for the changes in each other’s “temperature”, anticipating
the reactions, learning the rhythms and staying. Sometimes, I’m the mad bull,
tossing and kicking but Sam has learned to keep a grip—to find a good hold and
never let go. When I calm down, I’m glad he is still there, slightly battered
but with a reassuring smile that says I’m here for it all and that settles my
heart.
He also knows to step away granting me space to breathe,
have my moments. Ultimately, it’s God who holds us together. He molds our
hearts, orchestrates circumstances, brings people into our lives and all these
shifting chess pieces keep the game moving along.
I am excited. I am blessed. I am glad we have each other. I
am thankful we have God, the author and finisher of our faith.
