Rejoice in the wife of your youth

Gayle and I have been married for 27 1/2 years.  July 11, 1992 was a scorching hot day in Hickory, and I was wearing a tuxedo.  Normally, that would put me in a crabby mood, but on that particular day, I didn't bother to think about the drops of sweat dripping down my back, or my lack of oxygen.  Rather, I was focused on the moment in time that would shape my future, and everything about me from that day forward.  I was a mature 22 year old, or so I believed at the time.  I had just graduated college, and landed a job teaching high school math and physics, making a whopping $19,000/year, which, fresh out of college, seemed like a million bucks to me.  We had arranged a honeymoon through a timeshare tour agreement in Florida and the Bahamas, bought a plane ticket, had the world on a string, and were ready to share life.

She still looks at me like this!

Well, as you know, "life" has many flavors and seasons.  Six kids, one son-in-law, four colleges, 20 used cars, aging parents, 5 houses, and a dozen pets later, we have seen a lot, and shared a lot.  When two individuals choose to unite in one household, there are many more ramifications to that decision than a glossy-eyed 22 year old can possibly comprehend.  It would be nice if we always agreed on everything, but the fact is, we don't.  It would be great if we always said kind words to each other, but we fail there as well.  It would also be nice if we were both always self-sacrificial, thinking of the other first, but...

Marriage can be hard, and over the years, Gayle and I often found ourselves co-existing more than celebrating our union.  Many times, we were defined more accurately as business partners than husband and wife.  After all, there is a BIG household of children to manage, a bank account to watch shrink, and a busy schedule to check off, among a myriad of other things that life throws at each of us.

But, she stuck it out with me all these years, and put up with my quirks, pride, attitudes, and snoring, and I am so thankful that she did.  Because, I cannot imagine a better scenario for my life than to be married to Gayle.  She is compassionate, caring, honest and joyful.  She is a prayer warrior for our family, and for many of yours as well.  She taught me how to love Jesus unconditionally , and continues to do so daily.  Marriage is not about being happy every day (repeat that 100 times).  Rather, it is about choosing someone to share the daily grind of life with...the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, victories and defeats.  It is also a reflection of Christ's relationship with His people (Eph. 5:25), and the sacrificial love which forms that relationship.  We have an opportunity every day, just by being married, to show people how much Jesus loves His Church, starting with the people living in our house...


Two became Nine

So, as I think of my Valentine today, and the legacy we are forming through this spiritual bond God has placed us in, I just want to encourage all of you to rejoice in the wife (or husband) of your youth today (Prov. 5:18).  She is worth rejoicing in because she is more than a roommate or business partner.  She is a gift from God.  She's not perfect, and neither am I, but the One who placed us together is perfect, and therefore we are excited to trust Him with our lives and with our family.

I love you Gayle.  I can't wait to see what the next 27 1/2 years holds for us!