Years of Encouragement

This weekend Larry and I celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary. First of all, let me just say that even though the days go slowly, the years go really, really fast!

It seems like yesterday when brother Dru spoke these words at our wedding: "may you have just enough tears to keep you soft..." I dare say there haven't been too many years when the tears didn't flow.

It's that way for many of us. Marriage is a journey. A one-day-at- a-time journey. Sometime we slip and bang our knees. Ouch! Other days we ski on a velvety coating and feel the breeze in our hair as we speed through life!

I recently ran across a saying that pretty much wraps up what a marriage and life can ultimately become:

"Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Choose your words, for they become actions.
Understand your actions, for they become habits.
Study your habits, for they will become your character.
Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny."
~Quote Unknown

What are your thoughts today? Are you angry because your spouse didn't do something just the way you wanted it done? Did you then speak an unkind word, followed by a foolish action such as slamming a door? Will your behavior continue into the coming week. Will your character change because you carry a gudge? Do you now find yourself unhappy in your marriage. What would life look like if you were grateful that your spouse at least made the attempt to please you or do something that was out of his/her element?

Life gets in the way for all of us. But, I'm thankful that God gives us clear instruction about how we should live our lives. As a church He compares us to a bride in all her beauty. In Ephesians 5:25 it says, "Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having a spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Most days I have a pretty hard time living up to Christ's standard for marriage, but I'm thankful that I have at least 38 more years to obtain perfection!

Happy Anniversary Larry! Your years of encouragement have helped me through some pretty tough spots these past 38 years. I love you honey!