It’s our anniversary!
And the birthday of a dear friend. Happy birthday!
Along with other celebrations, Happy Anniversary! May 5th marks our 18th anniversary! It’s surreal. We’ve been together 25 years! Hubby’s only concern about getting married was waiting until after the seven-year (itch) period. My concern was not staying in a “live together” relationship. Lookingl back, I was going through a spiritual awakening.
Growing up, I was steeped in strict Christian teachings: to avoid praying for trivial matters, to perform good deeds in the hope of securing a place in heaven, and to strive to remain and marry as virgins (is that realistic?). Whether these were the precise doctrines or just my understanding of them, this was what I believed.
As I entered my thirties, I finally made sense of it all, not alone, but with the guidance of a dear friend who is a counselor. Our paths crossed by chance at a reputable counseling center. Overwhelmed by the personal demons I believed were mine to conquer, I sought support. I delved into numerous books exploring the role of various religions in contemporary society, their diverse eras, cultures, and rituals.
How does this pertain to our anniversary?
In my search for truth, I would often listen to Family Life Radio. Every weekday, my twenty-minute drive to work was filled with “Focus on the Family“. A talk show that would answer questions from different people and give insights on how to strengthen the family unit. I remember one show in which the host asked: “How do you tell your spouse you love them?” A woman called in and said she left notes on her husband’s pillow telling him how he complimented her life. What a great idea!
My husband and I don’t have children, leaving us without the usual milestones to mark our age (perhaps that’s a good thing?). Not having children lead to self-indulgence, as we can purchase anything we desire at any time. Consequently, the lack of school-related activities detaches us from the vibrancy of youth, potentially leading to a retreat into our own secluded world.
RETIREMENT
How are we going to co-exist in a motor home 24/7 without getting on each other’s nerves? Our spiritual journey led us to this point. It conditioned us not to worry; provided generously for us to be able to afford a life of freedom on the road; made my husband and I the best of friends.
This mile stone anniversary and countdown to living life the way we worked (and planned) for, has special meaning to me. It’s like being born into a new life! A richer life if that’s possible! Living life on a spiritual journey really is the happiest of times. I wouldn’t change one thing in my life.
Happy anniversary, darling
You are, without a doubt, one of the best things that happened in my life!
I remember our wedding day…. Up to that day I was seeking and asking God, “Am I doing the right thing? He’s been married before, will I still be living in sin? Will I go to hell for this?” My husband was fearless. He had no doubt as he stared straight into my eyes and repeated his vows. That day there was a double rainbow. The following year I saw more double rainbows than a person could expect to see in a life time! Every time it rained there was colorful beauty to follow!
Shortly after our wedding I read about Moses and the ark, how God used the rainbow as a sign to remind him of his covenant with Moses as well as his offspring. Thank God He answers my questions, even on our wedding day: I’m forgiven! And to top it all off, God gave me a true one-in-a-life time companion to share the rest of my life with!
Round 2: A light in the dark.
Several years ago my husband and I were on our way to town. I sat in the passenger seat complaining about a slow poke driver. My husband commented; “Maybe they are two lovers out for a drive”. In hind sight I believe he defined our future that day.
