Anniversary:

Straight AheadI can't think of a better way to begin a new year of entries in my blog than to start by celebrating my 31st wedding anniversary. On January 3, 1976, Lydia and I were married in her home church in New Jersey. A cold mist was falling as we left her church in Hightstown for our honeymoon. We were able to stay in the Regency-Hyatt in Knoxville for $25 a day that next week! I met Lydia during my final year of seminary. She was beginning her first year. She didn't immediately decide to marry me, even though she had strong feelings for me. She had to work through God's call for her life. I had to be patient; but I respected her for this. And I think it was an indication that God was directing this relationship. God told me to wait, and I did. One member of our present church who is 40 and still single says that when he thinks of getting married, he looks to his own parents and of Lydia and me as examples of marriage he'd like to emulate. He thinks we really understand what marriage is all about better than anybody else he knows. Lydia seems to sense when I need a kick in the pants or a comforting hug, an encouraging word, or permission to slow down. She understands that as Christians and as a minister of the Gospel, we go where God leads us--not necessarily where we, or our friends and family, think we ought to go! She supports me in my decisions without blindly affirming everything I say. Her opinions and reflections often give me the impetus I need to resist unnecessary pressures brought by those who think they should be able to manipulate or control what we do. She's not necessarily the typical preacher's wife; but then, I've been told more than once that I'm not the typical preacher! Lydia and I have a co-operation with each other that is truly a comfort to us both. We seem to be only too eager to try to relieve stress and make things easier for us both; but Lydia had this spirit long before I did. In fact, I think she finally taught me how it should work. And another thing that makes our marriage succeed so beautifully is the mutual respect we have for each other. She helps me whenever necessary; but she certainly isn't condescending to me because of my blindness. Then, there's the playfulness we share together. I hope other married couples can be as playful with each other as we are. It surely has avoided or short-circuited a lot of fights. We usually find it easy to apologize to each other, too. I have made plenty of mistakes during my life, and some decisions I wish I could reverse. But one thing I got right, by the grace of God, was the decision to marry my wonderful Lydia. God certainly knew what He was doing when He put us together. Lydia reminds me that marriage is work; but she also reminds me that our marriage succeeds largely because it is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ! She's absolutely right. I tell every couple I counsel how important it is to build your marriage on a Christian foundation and to communicate with each other in honesty and love. People are often amazed nowadays when they find out that Lydia and I have been married for so long. They think it's wonderful--and it is. I only wish it weren't so rare.