Sunday, June 5, 2016

June 6, 2016

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:31

I want to begin this article by wishing my beautiful bride, Barbara, Happy Anniversary - for the 29th time!

Yep! Today is our 29th anniversary! Time REALLY does fly when you are having fun. And we have a ton of fun!

When people meet me and then meet Barbara, they wonder how someone like me was able to end up with someone like her. That is a typical reaction, and honestly, I understand because I wonder the same thing!

Being married to a pastor is not easy.

Becoming an instant mother to three children was not easy.

Moving away from family and adjusting to a new role in a blending family was very difficult.

But Barbara has faced and conquered each and every challenge that arose during those two and one-half decades. And she has done it with grace.

When you take the marriage vows seriously, as we do, and when you hear that verse saying, "two shall become one flesh" you wonder what that means, exactly.

Of course, the physical image of it is pretty clear. And it is good!

But the spiritual and emotional, and even psychological implications of "two becoming one" are more mysterious - and a bit frightening. How do two sinful, strong-willed, selfish, stubborn and scarred people meld into one? Is that really possible?

Indeed, by the grace and mercy of God - IT IS! Through the power, and patience and presence of the Holy Spirit - IT IS!

That is what makes 29 years so amazing! We have become one! We are each better individually because we are together. I see many areas of my life where I have grown because of her. And she can point to a few where I have helped her!

It is pretty amazing that - not unlike God - the one who knows me best loves me most! I look forward to our daily routines. We miss each other during the day and get excited at the thought of coming home and being back together each evening. On Mondays I begin getting excited about our Friday dates!

Quite amazing this "two become one" relationship that God ordained for marriage. In His mystical math "two become one" when they lose themselves in a Third! His marriage math is God + Man + Wife = ONE!

How's your math?

How's your marriage?