Forever

Yesterday we celebrated with some amazing friends we have known for many years. Denis and Mary Goodwin renewed their vows and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. 50 years! That is a long time. I was amazed and almost in tears as they stood up in front of over 100 of their family and friends, expressing their love for one another. They shared about their good times and the hard times that drew them closer to each other and closer to God. Their faith in God is at the very core of their marriage. Everything they do flows around their central faith. They purposed to do things together. If one of them didn't like the activity, they found a way to like it. Now, after knowing each other for 55 years, they like everything they do together. They have gone on adventures together. This couple travels so much. To Israel, a cruise in Panama, they are going on a Russian cruise, all over the US and beyond. They love people. That was evident in the amount of people that showed up and the places they had met them. From being next door neighbors to their ski club, hiking group, Church, Crimson Bridge, and various other ministries they serve in. I have been so blessed to have grown up around these two amazing people. They have watched me grow up, have prayed over my life and spoken words of wisdom into my heart.

My life is filled with inspirational marriages. Papa David and Mima Janet will have their 50th this October, Gram Carol and Grandpa Chuck would have been married 50 years last June, my parents have been married 27 years and the list could go on. Among the friends in my community and the friends we caught up with at the party there are marriages that are so strong in God and they are so in love with each other. In this day where marriage is viewed as disposable it is refreshing to see people who live by the "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part" vows said at the alter. It fills my heart with joy as I look at the cloud of witnesses I have before me. It gives me hope as I patiently wait for my future man.