Just got back from my parent's house, celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary.
It's hard for that to really register. Deb and I were talking about how long that is this afternoon, trying to grasp it. We have been married 21 years and to think of our first years together seems like so, so, so long ago.....
.....Then multiply that by almost 3. It really is amazing.
My mom is doing tremendously well. She was all dressed up, radiant. My dad looked younger and better than I can recall. He is 81, she is 82. They are more in love than ever.
We went over about 8pm. They opened their gifts, read the cards we all gave them, and we all toasted to many more together......listening to Christmas jazz. Very nice.
Watching my parents over the years has been a real lesson for me in the fact that love doesn't have to grow cold. To this day they fall asleep each night holding each other's hands. My dad tears up when he talks about her. Pretty cool....and something my own kids will have as a 'standard' for their whole lives.
Yesterday, I asked my mom a question. "Mom..", I asked..."What is the one thing that makes your's and Pop's marriage work?"
Her answer may sound very unspectacular, but I have been thinking about it ever since...
"Well, Bobby, we help each other", she replied.
Nothing fancy. They simply help each other.
As I have been thinking about this simple statement, I am realizing how huge a statement it really is, and how if every marriage took this to heart, there would be no divorce. See, the Bible says that "love is kind..." That means that love is simply being nice to one another. Watching out for each other. Serving each other.
As mom put it, "helping each other".
I know when Deb and I live this out in the small details of everyday living, things are even-keeled and there is just a sweet atmosphere in our home. That atmosphere is called "love". Most people try to get the feeling without doing the small actions of serving one another that LEAD to the feeling. That may or may not make sense to you, but I am convinced this small thing is the key to revolutionizing our marriages and like my folks, making it 61 years,.... passing on a legacy to our children of blessing and honor.
So, husbands, next time your honey asks you to take out the trash, don't procrastinate. Help her. When the kids are driving her crazy, send her off to the mall and take them for a dad date. These little things are what love is all about. Helping each other. Being considerate of each other's needs.
Here's to you, Pop...Mom....To 61 years......PB
Great tip Pastor Bobby, I'll keep that in mind for future reference.
Posted by: Danielle | December 19, 2005 at 01:33 AM