Twenty-Five Years of Loving Faithfulness

I love how my parents always showed affection for each other around their children. Holding hands. Hugging. Playful wrestling and kissing. I grew up thinking that it was normal and that all marriages were just that good. It always brought so much security to know that things were okay between mom and dad. They loved each other. Joyful bliss!

I love how, if they had a disagreement in front of me . . . though few and far between . . . they would also ask forgiveness of each other quickly. My mom still tells me about the times that she struggles to love. How easy it is to be selfish and how sweet my dad is.

I cherish how much time my parents spent talking to their children. As I got older my parents became my best friends. I love that I could admit to them that their suspicions about Luke and I were true. Though it seemed crazy to want to marry someone so much older than myself . . . and me being so young still. They listened to me and treated me like a person - not a little child with a silly idea. They loved me enough to protect me. My dad loved me enough to "check Luke out" and do everything he could to give us a good start into the marriage that they prayed would be blessed.

I remember how, two days before my wedding, my dad took me to breakfast . . . gently warning me about conflict in marriage. Telling me honestly that mom and his marriage hasn't always been "this good." Giving me a glimpse into the secrets of what makes marriage a joy. Praying with me that Luke and I would never stop trying and never lose heart.

I love how my parents marriage didn't start out perfectly. How my mom wasn't even saved when she married my dad. How they have been real before me and told me their struggles. It gives me hope and a real life perspective that marriage is not so much in how it comes together but in what you determine to make it with God's grace.

I love that my parents, though now grandparents, still act like kiddos together. They are so full of life and fun. They draw people to themselves just being them.

I love how they have been faithful to each other for 25 years of real life in a fallen world. Through raising children, having a miscarriage, facing things together as a family that were difficult, taking care of Grandma in those last months, and grieving the loss of my Grandma. . . times of sorrow and times of joy. They have learned how to rest in the Lord and let each change draw them closer together.

Dad and Mom, thank you for your sacrifice. I love you both.