Eleven

Since most of our married life has been spent leading a church, we've had opportunities to observe and learn from people in every phase of life--all those phases that encompass the all too familiar wedding vows so many make: "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part."


We've had our own experiences, to be sure, but we've also helped others walk through theirs. Just today, Sammy helped a woman bury her husband of 62 years. I think in many ways it's given us a unique perspective and it's prepared us for those bumps in the road that everyone hits at one time or another.


Life will not always be beautiful, financially secure, peaceful, and it is far from the perfection you envision before you walk down the aisle toward forever with your love. 


But there are so many moments that build lives. Beautiful moments, peaceful moments, perfect moments. Moments where there are no worries and life seems idyllic. You have to learn to cherish those moments and recognize when you've been given a gift worth celebrating in your lives together, because there is a reason those marriage vows cover the negative sides of life. 


I'm going through a little seasonal sickness right now and to be perfectly honest, I haven't changed clothes in two days. Or brushed my hair. Or even my teeth. And yet somehow, Sammy can tell me he loves me. 


And while I'm not entirely sure I understand how it's possible, I think love is this crazy thing that works best and is truest during trials, sickness and poorness. Maybe the good times nurture it, keep it going, steady and sure, but those low times and tough times put that love to work. There are not times when my love is more fierce than those times when the ones I love are sick, poor, defeated, under attack, lost. The really hard times are a testament to the strength of our love.


Love is beautiful, and it endures much that isn't. Today, my 11th year of marriage will be another chapter in our lives completed and a new one will begin. I couldn't be happier to share it, good and difficult, with Sammy.


I love you Sammy! Happy Anniversary!