Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Proverbs 18:22
On May 2, 2011, Cheryl and I celebrated 30 years of marriage. I say celebrated because even though we have had our share of challenges in thirty years, the blessings far exceed the difficulties. It has been the character of the Lord Jesus Christ in my wife that has allowed us to endure. She has demonstrated His love, forgiveness, faithfulness, generosity, flexibility, honor, and virtue, time and time again.
While I wanted to do something really special (like an Alaskan cruise or something), other circumstances dictated a less extravagant celebration. However, our children through their love, creativity, honor, discernment, enthusiasm, gratefulness, and sensitivity surprised us with a special evening.
I rose early May 2nd and left my wonderful wife over thirty "Happy Anniversary" type notes throughout the house that she would find as she followed her normal morning routine. I brought home a dozen roses for each decade of marriage and took her to dinner at the place of her choice – Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ.
We took a scenic drive home, determined to arrive home before dark – we must be getting old! :) The approach to the house revealed the van gone; my thought was, the children have gone to the local grocery store to get ice cream and root beer or some special treat. Then, we noticed the porch light on and a note on the door:
Determined to obey the note, we entered the door finding a romantic atmosphere we could never have created, even on an Alaskan cruise. Flower petals graced the floor, the TV had a fireplace video playing (believe it or not, it was a cool day, low in the 30s, high in the 50s), and there was a handmade sign: Johnny and (heart) Cheryl.
We were amazed at the sparkling cleanliness of the house, the sweet fragrance of a scented candle, and the romantic decor. The flower petals led the way to our bedroom (Cheryl has decorated our room to give the feel of a Victorian B&B already) where we found soft music playing, a Bible open to Song of Solomon, a tea table by the love seat with Cheryl’s favorite tea, chocolate cookie dough truffles sprinkled with Xs and Os, and our album of pictures from our wedding day 30 years ago.
We felt wonderfully special, romantic, and blessed. Some of the children had made other drawings or notes and I had already placed another anniversary card on the bed pillows before we left for dinner. We enjoyed the scene and each other as we snuggled on the couch, sipped our tea, indulged in the truffles and reminisced through our wedding day pictures. But, most of all we delighted in the blessing of the Lord in His goodness to us during thirty years of marriage and the eight children He has given to keep us feeling special.
Thank you, God. Thank you, children.
"…rejoicing in the wife of my youth…" Proverbs 5:18-19
Love,
Dad
Recent Comments