Recently when a friend asked me how long we've been married, I realized that my husband and I are almost to the point where we can say we've been married for decades. As we look forward to celebrating our 18th anniversary on New Year's Day, I'm proud of how far we have come in nearly 20 years. I'm also amazed at the ways God has used our union to minister to and through us.
In a little more than a year, my parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Having borne witness to most of those years, I know they have not been one picnic after another. Their commitment has been tested repeatedly, as with any couple. I'm proud of them for their faithfulness and grateful for their example. And my siblings and I are already planning how we can honor them for coming this far together.
I've always loved it when we publicly honor people who have stayed together for all the decades God has granted them since their wedding ceremony. Our culture tends to focus our attention on stories of romance leading up to marriage. Then we focus enormous quantities of money and energy on wedding ceremonies themselves. I've always felt we should be better preparing couples to stay together—not just to get together. And people who have stayed together deserve our honor.
That's why I enjoyed reading today's featured article, "I Want to Grow Old with You." In this article, writer Sherry Van Zante honors her husband and their commitment by remembering what they have been through together. She reaffirms their commitment to stay together for the rest of what life has for them. I hope it inspires you to reaffirm the same commitment to your spouse this Christmas.
Speaking of inspiration, may our special Christmas article, A Spirit of Surrender, encourage you to learn from Mary's example and show your love for God through bold obedience this Christmas.
