Earlier this year, I celebrated SIXTY.

Today, I’m celebrating FORTY!

Forty years ago, a young boy and girl said ‘I Do’ on a sweltering August evening. It was a humble celebration. The tuxes and dresses were rentals. And oh, the bride’s dress was borrowed.

After the vows, there was cake and punch. Mints and nuts. No fanfare. No music. And no dancing, of course.

The photographer was a willing family friend with a camera.

Yes, it was an unremarkable affair.

The love those two believed they had for each other was just a tiny seed of the love that would come.

Oh, many believed they were too young. Too naive. Too broke.

They were not wrong.

But forty years later, that imperfect union is still bound by the love of the One who holds all things together.

Yes. There were times when the union began to unravel, but a Scarlet Thread held it together. Held them together. Held them.

He’s still holding them, and they’re still holding each other.

These days, our mornings are slower. Our coffee richer. Our faith deeper. Our joy fuller. Our contentment well-practiced.

#WeStillDo

I’m not one to give unsolicited advice … (oh wait), but forty years might earn me the right, just this one time.

My one advice, if I could only give one, treat the other as Christ has treated you.

1. Love one another. (Honor, respect, encourage, build up)
2. Serve one another. (In big ways, small ways, in the kitchen, in the bedroom)
3. Forgive one another. (Daily. For the irritating. The frustrating. Heartbreaking. Even the devastating.)
4. Repeat.

NOTE: I am, in no way, encouraging remaining in an abusive or dangerous marriage.

Hard seasons of marriage are to be expected.  Abuse is not. Abuse is never acceptable.