That's right, friends. My beautiful parents have been married 30 years... and one day. Yes, I know I should have done this yesterday, but it didn't occur to me until today. So here goes.
What is happyness? (Yes, just to clarify, I know it's spelled with and "i")
Is it always having an easy way, roses and sunshine, and all that we want right then and there?
No.
Okay, I know that everyone knows this, but I have been thinking about it as it relates to the two people in the picture above. About a year ago, their marriage was rocky. It terrified me. If there is something I fear in life, it's divorce. I prayed and prayed that they could work it out, but it was pretty scary there for a bit.
For the past year, my heart has been comforted to see the wounds and the discouragement mend as their love for each other has returned.
Then yesterday, I got this report: this past weekend, my parents went to dinner, followed by a visit to a bird refuge. My mom's parents love bird-watching, so my parents come by it naturally. Little did they know, though, how much they would like doing it together. Unknowingly, they decided to both get each other some bird-watching gear as an anniversary gift. Both laughed when they realized they had done the same thing for each other, and realized that with they years they are becoming more and more alike.
That experience was wonderful to hear, but what was even more wonderful was to think about this legacy they are giving. This is a legacy passed along by their parents as well: the wind beating upon a tree may seem brutal and unforgiving, but it's just the opposite. Because of the pressure and hardship the tree undergoes, it develops deeper roots, a stronger center and a greater beauty.
I know I will have hardships and that there will be times when I am ready to give up or give in. In those moments, I can remember those loving, happy people above and remember that the bitter is given so that we may know the sweet. The trick is to thank the Lord for both. How grateful I am to my parents for that priceless lesson.
Here's to another 30!
2 comments:
I didn't know you had a blog, Kate. (I found it from facebook)
What a beautiful post. It made me a little teary. I don't think I know of ANY marriage that is perfect, and the longer people are together, the more trials they seem to have, but it is SO beautiful when they can work it out. I hope I have the same strength as your parents (and my parents) to make it through life. :)
Love you post, Kate. I'll see if I can get Dad logged in to read it from his Facebook! Love you and looking forward to seeing you TODAY!
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