Wedding Anniversary, 33 Years

     Today my husband and I are celebrating our thirty-third wedding anniversary.  When I spoke with my parents earlier, they asked me again, "What were you thinking getting married in January?"  I answered, "I was too in love to wait for warmer weather."
     Thirty-three years.  12,045 days ago.  On a freezing cold and windy, but brilliantly sunny day, Pat and I married in a church filled with Christmas poinsettia and candles.  Both of us wobbly-kneed and looking back, so very young.  I stood, face blurred beneath a veil, breathless with anticipation and pledged forever.  Pat's eyes locked with mine, and he promised forever in return.

Posing with my Mom and Dad and brothers.

     We were positively certain.  We said, "I do," not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into - just knowing that we wanted whatever life would bring, to meet it together.
     During our vows we pledged to take each other.  Pat was mine and I was his.  To hold each others heart in our own.  To know each others needs and wants.  To know what makes the other laugh and cry.  To know the past and to hold each others future.  We promised to love unconditionally.

Posing with Pat's family.  

     Nothing in life is more valuable than a loving relationship with your spouse.  There is honor is serving them.  In performing a chore, washing socks, preparing food, changing the oil in the car and in going to work each day.
     Sometimes, Pat has to decide to love me.  There are times when I am not particularly lovely.  Even the children know to give me space until I've had my morning coffee.  Pat has loved me through vacations, pregnancies, car trouble, surgeries, pets, and cancer.  He has loved me through arguments, lost keys, driving in snowstorms, times of great loss, and dangerous boat rides.   I've loved him through computer glitches, stock market ups and downs, mud puddles, and cozy nights.

     The relationship a married couple have with each other is the same relationship God desires with each of us.

     But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!  When you walk through the fires of oppression, you will not be burned up: the flames will not consume you.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  ...  you are precious to me.  You are honored, and I love you. ~ Isaiah 43: 1-4

     So, to my dear husband, you are precious to me, and I love you.