Today is a very special day in our family. No I'm not turning 40, I am way younger than that. :) This time 40 years ago, around 10 am, a young couple, him being a skinny dude and she having a big ole hairdo were going to the courthouse in Gainsville, TX to get married. I don't picture it as being a big event, but there were a few friends and family members there who apparently completely stuffed their car full of newspapers. They were then on to Six Flags and the Holiday Inn in Dallas. It doesn't sound like much, but it was the beginning of journey that would lead to 40 years of marriage for my Mom and Dad.
We typically say happy anniversary to couples without much thought of what it means, but this one is very personal to me. If you know me well, you know that God has put a fire in my soul for my marriage, and the marriages of those around me. The journey my parents are on has been a major part in that.
If I look back at my childhood, I do always remember a Mom and Dad that frequently said "I love you" to everyone in our house. It was a common occurrence, and to this day, if you hang around long, they will hug you and tell you they love you. That was always existent between Mom and Dad too. My kids today gross out anytime Angela and I kiss in front of them, although we do it a lot intentionally. It is not an uncommon occurrence today to see my parents being flirtatious with each other, and it doesn't bother me a bit. They have a lot of fun together, they fight for one another, and they are faithfully committed to each other and to the Lord.
It has not always been fantastic though. There have been some really tough times in their journey. There have been many relationship issues, job losses, health issues, money issues, deaths, car wrecks, and a very near divorce. Yes, forgive me later Mom and Dad for sharing, but there is a part of your journey that marked me forever. I was probably 8-9 when Mom and Dad did the sit down to inform my brother and I that they were getting divorced. I remember being devastated and confused, and not really understanding what that meant. All I knew is that Mom and Dad didn't care much for each other and it was NOT good. We lived apart for nearly a year, and Mom and Dad led separate lives. I just didn't get it. I don't know the events that changed their hearts, nor do I need to know, but I do know that God was involved and they will both tell you that to this very day. I don't tell this story to be negative towards my parents. I tell you this story because Angela and I have given our hearts investment to many couples that gave up hope in their marriages. They came to the end of their rope and quit. My Mom and Dad are a testament to the fact that if you hand your lives to Christ and live for him, there is no end to the rope, but it goes "till death do you part". Thank you, thank you, thank you, for fighting through all of the incredibly rough events in this journey.
I look forward to the future of this journey with my parents, and I pray for them daily. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. I love you both tremendously, and I hope your evening tonight is a just a little token of appreciation from my family to you guys.
Happy 40th Anniversary!
