My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past weekend!
As we took them out for a nice steak dinner to celebrate memories and milestones, I was reminded of some lessons learned from watching their marriage over the years. Here are just a few.
1. A Picture of Biblical Faithfulness
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. I Corinthians 4:2
Marriage, like all areas of life, is a form of stewardship.
And like in any marriage, my parents have seen their share of “for better and for worse,” yet they’ve stayed faithful to each other through it all.
They have demonstrated unconditional love and sacrificial commitment to each other. They have also made a life together of sacrificially loving God and serving others, and left a godly heritage in the process.
Marriage isn’t meant to be easy. But that’s also why it’s referred to as a covenant and a commitment.
2. A Promise of Together Forever
In today’s culture, many kids are being raised without the confidence of knowing that mom and dad are in it for the long haul. The value of “till death do us part” has been challenged in a culture where 50% of all marriages end in divorce.
God’s plan for children is that their family be a place where they find their greatest security. Every child wants, needs, and deserves to know that their family will stay together through thick and thin.
My parents intentionally gave us the promise of being together forever, and it was never questioned.
Of all the things in life that are uncertain for a child, family should never be one of them. Because not only is “together forever” a promise, it’s a gift.
3. A Pattern Worth Following
While there’s no 100% money-back guarantee, here’s the best way to ensure your kids will have a successful marriage someday… Model One For Them!
Make marriage look good by visualizing for your kids the type of marriage they’ll want to have someday for themselves – two people committed to and enjoying one life. Together. Forever.
My parents don’t have a perfect marriage, but they have a godly one. And it’s a beautiful pattern worth following that I hope for many years to exemplify for my children and grandchildren as well.
Dad & Mom, congrats on 50 years! Thanks for allowing me to be one of the beneficiaries of your love and faithfulness. Marriages like yours shine as an example for all of us to follow.
