“There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.”   Martin Luther

How have you honored your parents recently?

Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.  (Deu. 5:16; NIV)

Sixty-two years ago today, my [Sharon] parents became husband and wife.  World War II had just ended a few months prior.  Dad served our country in the Philippines during the war.  Mom waited faithfully at home for her sweetheart and worked as a welder on an assembly line making proximity tubes for the war effort.  Well before the days of computers, email, and cell phones their only form of communication for three, long years was through hand-written letters. 

As was the case with many men then, once Dad returned home, he was ready to settle down and get married.  Money wasn’t abundant, nor were elaborate church weddings and fancy receptions common in rural Pennsylvania at the time.  Theirs was a simple ceremony in the little church down the road from where Mom grew up.  Their parents and some of their siblings attended the ceremony.

During my growing up years, I would often get their wedding picture out of a dresser drawer and marvel at how beautiful Mom was and how handsome Dad was as well.  Theirs has been a marriage of devoted partnership and admirable stability.

A few years after they were married, Dad and Mom purchased a dairy farm.  Dad had worked for “Uncle Harry” on this farm before going into the Army.  It was a natural transition, as Uncle Harry got older, for him to offer the farm to Dad and Mom.  Mom wasn’t raised on a farm, but she certainly knew how to work hard.  And work hard they did!  Together they turned that farm into a beautiful, productive dairy.

After several years, my brother and I came on the scene.  We both loved the farm even as young children.  It was such a wonderful way of growing up.  Yes, we had chores, and yes, we worked hard, but the dividends of our upbringing far outweighed any of the hard work or sacrifice we made.

Dad will turn 86 this year and Mom will turn 84.  Certainly life has had its challenges, hardships, and heartache.  However, together they have persevered and trusted the Lord when things didn’t make sense to the natural eye.  Up until the last few years, they both have enjoyed robust health and led extremely productive and busy lives.  The last couple of years have not been kind to their physical bodies, but their spirits remain strong.

In a world where the divorce rate is at an alarming level (current statistics say 40-50 % of marriages will end in divorce), I would like to pay tribute to my parents who made the decision to “make it work,” in spite of what life threw at them.  Thank you, Dad and Mom, for your faithfulness, your perseverance, and your LOVE…for us and for one another.  I am proud to be your daughter!  Happy 62nd Anniversary!

Prayer Power
Lord, thank You for my parents and the wonderful example they have provided for me in so many ways.  Thank You that they were always there for us.  May You bless them, Lord, on this special day as only You can do.

Link of the Day
Some Tips for a Long Lasting Marriage

Blessings on you as you remember your parents!