Today we mark our 36th wedding anniversary. Bev is the best thing that ever happened to me, my best friend, my partner. We share a ministry calling, four great kids, a ton ‘o memories, and love for Christ Jesus. We were just kids when we married - 19 and 20 years of age – but from the first we gave ourselves to Him first, and that has been the key to the endurance of our love. We know firsthand the truth that "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." (Ecclesiastes 4:9, KJV) "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12, KJV)
We sailed some rough waters over these years. Bev endured living with a head-strong young husband who mistaken thought that being head of the home gave him the divine right of a king! A year and a half into our marriage, she followed me, without complaint, across the country in pursuit of my dreams of changing the world, and today our Wyoming chapter, as we call it, is one of our treasured shared experiences! I waded through a decade of emotional upheaval as Bev struggled with the stresses of being 'Mommy' to four energetic kids. Of course, like most young husbands, I overflowed with compassion and empathy. (OK, I just lied!)
As we entered the second decade of our marriage a major change in career plans and financial situation left me fighting with depression. Bev stood alongside of me through it all, and was my most faithful advocate before the Lord. All four of our children were teenagers at the same time. To those who are parents, need I say more? Our innate styles of parenting were so different, we spent as much feuding with each other as we did guiding our kids, or so it seemed at the time. But, today we are friends with them all and proud of the people they have become.
The truth is I would not be who I am today with her. Our lives are completely interdependent, both of us stronger together than we could possibly be apart. So, here we stand at #36- so very thankful for the faithful care of the One who has led us all this way! I confess that sometimes I wonder what lies ahead in this thing called – life! Through it all, we have loved and laughed as our love grew mature. Yet, still it sparkles with the same kind of passion and excitement we felt as two kids. I love Bev today in ways that were incomprehensible to me 36 years ago.
Happy Anniversary, Bev – I love you!
______________________________
"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:10-12, NLT)
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." (Proverbs 31:25-31, NLT)
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