I continue to celebrate models of marriage that daily walk out in their lives what it means to love and honor. Our first opportunity to influence comes from what others see us doing. So while not all have been nearby to me, I have seen and been influenced by their loving example. Here what they experienced as key to a long, loving, committed marriage.
Barb and Mike – 46 years
Barb – I married at 18. Mike and I are best friends. We let others know this is the one I chose. Mike has loved me as Christ has loved the church.
Mike – Saying I’m sorry, Will you forgive me?
Flo and Dave – 50 years
Flo says Let your marriage be a union of two forgivers
who serve Christ by serving each other.
Clara and Clay – 67 years
Clara – I purpose every day to give myself to him. Night and day. I choose to be positive everyday. Christ in me can. Phil 2:3,4
Clay – Read and pray. Keep short accounts, Confess and repent.
The many years these couples have had together guarantees that sickness, poverty and all manner of difficulty are a part of the experience. While I am celebrating marriage this month I sincerely recognize that my models know who they are in Christ and that no matter what they have lost: health, wealth, ability, jobs, children, and parents. What remains is Christ and His love and THIS identity in Christ is what has been the most significant factor in each of their marriages.