"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Twenty Years

On December 26th my husband and I celebrated our 2oth wedding anniversary. It seems hard to believe how quickly the years have flown. A dear friend stayed with our boys for a couple days so we could get away to a bed and breakfast. It didn't cost us anything for babysitting (I guess you don't really think of it as babysitting when you have two teen-aged sons!), the bed and breakfast is a getaway that friends from church provide as a ministry, and we even were given an anonymous gift certificate to a local restaurant. We were/are truly blessed.

Our trip was a time of reflecting all that has happened in our lives in the past twenty year. A time to praise God for how He continually provides for us, and how our heart's desire is to grow to be more like Him with each new day. We enjoyed going to the matinee and seeing National Treasure 2, eating out, doing a little shopping, going to visit the doctor to learn my husband has bronchitis, soaking in the tub, as well as just relaxing and enjoying each other's presence. We also looked toward the future, and both felt the need to be more intentional with our time as a family and not allow time to slip through our fingers. Our oldest son only has another year and a half to be with us before heading to college.

It amazes me how I am more in love with my husband now then the day we were first married. Our love has continued to mature, deepen and grow. We have had our share of rocky times, but we made that decision that we will stay together, and work hard at our marriage. It took me a while to grow up and realize that it wasn't all about me. In our early years of marriage, I was the one in control. God has taught me a lot about having a servant heart, especially in the area of my husband and children. I praise Him for the changes He has made in my heart and life. I pray that over the next twenty years we grow even closer in our love for each other as well as the Lord.

4 comments:

Laura said...

Hello, Dear! I have been touring the Proverbs 31 blogs this holiday season and have seen you on a few. I always enjoy your comments and so, thought it was time I visited the author on her home turf! Happy anniversary! Twenty years is quite a special milestone! I can appreciate what you said about deciding to stay together. Sometimes it takes a decision, doesn't it? What would you tell the young, newly married women as advice? I've thought of this question many times. My husband and I will celebrate our 15th in a few months. So many times, it would have been easier to give up. But I'm so glad we've stuck it out. I wish I had the words to describe the kind of love that comes over the years. It is an intimacy beyond words, is it not? Again, congrats, and Happy New Year!
Laura B.

Sisterlisa said...

Happy Anniversary dear Friend!!! How wonderful you got to get away!!! I'm so with you on not letting time slip through our fingers. I still treasure when the kids have a bad dream and sneak into our room at night. I cuddle with them as often as I can. But just think... Your son may be going away to colle but then maybe he'll wed soon after and you'll have a daughter in law. ((hugs))

Lysa TerKeurst said...

Well happy anniversary! It seemed only appropriate that since you commented on my tribute to my husband that I do the same for you. Happy New Year and many sweet blessings in 2008.

And thanks for all your sweet comments. I always smile when I see one from you.
Blessings,
Lysa

Anne said...

Happy Anniversary to both of you! We will hit our 20th in May. It is amazing how fast the time has past. I enjoy reading your blog and you put into words so many of my thoughts. Thank you for that.

Mark and I taught engaged couples for years. That was such a wonderful time of renewal in our marriage.

May you have many, many more years together and may God continue to be the center of your marriage.

Love,
Anne