Michael Hargrove tells about a scene at an airport that literally changed his life. He was picking up a friend. He noticed a man coming toward him carrying two light bags. The man stopped right next to Hargrove to greet his family. The man motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They hugged and Hargrove heard the father say, “It’s so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!” “Me, too, Dad!” said the son. The oldest son (maybe nine or ten) was next. “You’re already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!” Then he turned to their little girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half). He kissed her and held her close. He handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, “I’ve saved the best for last!” and preceded to give his wife a long, passionate kiss. “I love you so much!” He said to his wife softly.
Hargrove interrupted this idyllic scene to ask, “Wow! How long have you two been married?”
“Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those,” the man replied, as he gazed into his wife’s face.
“Well then, how long have you been away?”
The man turned around and said, “Two whole days!” Hargrove was stunned. “I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!”
The man stopped smiling and said, “Don’t hope, friend . . . decide!”
And that’s it, isn’t it? For most of us it comes down to a decision. “Till death us do part.” It doesn’t happen in every relationship, but that is still the ideal that Jesus gives us.
When we step before the altar to wed what have we decided… to make it work at all cost? Or to see how long this will last? Let me suggest to decide together that you will make it work… which means give and take on both sides as you grow and move together to become one. Don’t just hope it will work. Decide it will work. And then stick to it.
Dear Lord, I thank you for my marriage of 53 years. I thank you for all the good times and even the difficult times. I thank you for the love, wisdom, and understanding of my wife. I thank you for the blessings of all these happy years together. Lord, it has been a hoot. You really know how to pick ’em. In and through Jesus. Amen.
Grace and Peace
Steve
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The Journey 