Today, two very special people in my life are celebrating 33 YEARS of love, sacrifice and commitment to one another. I was thinking this morning about their marriage…about what it has taught me. And I realized…my parents have a 1 Corinthians kind of love. They are patient with one another in their differences. They are kind not only to each other, but to everyone they encounter in life. They are not envious of others, as they have found contentment in the life God has given them. They are not boastful or proud, but rather humble in their hapiness. They always, always, always honor one another and seek to put each other (and others) before themselves. They are slow to anger and quick to forgive. They protect their hearts, minds and marriage. They fully trust in each other and the Lord. They have great hope for a love that will continue to deepen through the years. And, they have persevered through the trials of life side by side.
After being married for just over two years, I have more respect for their relationship now than I ever have…because marriage is hard, but they make it look easy. I am sure they have faced just as many challenges as all married couples face…but it's how they have handled those challenges that, to me, sets them apart. They are a true reflection of the love God teaches us to have for one another. After more than three decades, they are as much in love as they have ever been. Who doesn't want a love like that?
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Thank you for being a steadfast example of a Christ-based marriage.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
With Grace,
Jen