Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Thirty-Four Years of Marriage

Posted on By jennifer

This week’s Five Minute Friday prompt is start. The beginning of something…maybe even the date something began.  As in a marriage:)  My marriage began 34 years ago tomorrow.  Hard to believe – yet here are just five minutes worth of my thoughts.

START – When I tell someone that I have been married for over three decades, often there is a reaction of surprise.  As in, really?  And, if I am honest, I am often more shocked than anybody.  Because I know us….and, even more, I know me.  I look back at the girl I was over 34 years ago and, without a doubt, it was a painfully naive and woefully immature girl that began dating the man who would be my husband.  And as we said “I do” I entered our marriage with not only far too many expectations but very unrealistic ones as well.  I’m sure there are many who were among our guests who would be surprised, or even shocked, to know we will celebrate 34 years tomorrow.

Not only has our marriage lasted, but we have created a life.  We have endured sickness and health.  Richer and poorer.  Known countless, abundant blessings and walked through the deepest of valleys.  Of course, there have been highs – and lows.  But we have done it together and, through God’s great mercy, I am not the silly girl I was.  And by God’s grace, our marriage is what it has become today.

STOP – Whether it is a marriage, a ministry or a job.  Whether it is our walk with the Lord or the beginning of a new path where He is leading – how we start does not have to define how we finish or even how we continue.  If it started well, praise the Lord.  Stay the course.  If it was with a start you did not plan or imagine, keeping moving forward.  Accept His mercy and His grace, determined to finish well.  Will we have another 34 years together?  Most likely not.  But however long our marriage may be, I am grateful, blessed and I desire to “finish well.”

 

Five Minute Friday

Comments (7)

  2. Congratulations on 34 years of marriage. My wife and I celebrate 33 years today. I too am amazed when folks are surprised when we say how l long we’ve been married. God put us together. My wife came from a family that had experienced divorce so she started our journey with a little trepidation.
    I told her from the start that she was stuck with me. Like everyone, there have been struggles but what journey that is worth it,it not? Thanks for sharing.

  4. Congratulations on 34 years of marriage! I love this thought: “how we start does not have to define how we finish or even how we continue.” Truly, His mercies are new every morning. Thank you for this precious reminder, as my 41st Anniversary is coming up later this month. Moving ahead with Jesus. Blessings to you!

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