25

Today is our 25th anniversary.  We didn't really get to do anything today, as there's so much Summer Xtreme stuff to do - lots of work to do in that direction.  Today we were working on scripts, lanyards, set design, graphics, coordinating volunteers and actors... all kinds of stuff.  

Tonight we watched the finale of season five of "The Chosen," which of course ends at the Garden of Gethsemane.  This week was an emotional journey, really moving. 

We closed out the day reading and with prayers - and I just can't write too much here because we're so busy and exhausted.   

And that's okay.  We'll have time to celebrate other things later on, and in fact we had time to celebrate earlier with the cruise, which was loads of fun.  We knew that this time was coming, and we're getting ready.  It's been slightly stressful and worrisome, and that's because we care so much about what that finished product will be for the kids and families.  And this isn't to say that we don't care as much, but as the years have gone by we've really learned that God has gotten it all taken care of and that despite all the burdensome weights, there's coming a day soon where it'll be the day after each event, or perhaps two days after - or whatever - and everyone will be okay, and there's really no reason to try and shoulder so much weight on your own.  God will help us because their His children, and our job is just to do our best without doing ourselves permanent damage along the way, right?

Anyway, today is our anniversary, as I said.  Twenty-five years.  We'll do something nice in the coming months and tell each other that this is our anniversary gift, but really things are just fine as they are.  Mom has her health as do I, and things are going well.  Mom is a blessing, and we don't feel worthy of her.  She does so much for the family, and I have been so blessed to be by her side.  I don't know how that happened, but I do know God set that all up.  

The secret, people ask for.  What's the secret to long marriage?  I don't have an exact answer for that other than love.  It's not an insecure sort of thing where you spend all your time on edge wondering what will happen next, or how this person you're with will think or react to every little thing.  It's more of an ability to walk in the comfort of knowing that this is the spouse that God called you to be with, your partner and best friend, and just enjoy your time together.  And we certainly have enjoyed our time together.  It's been really twenty-seven years since we first met, and that seems like a really long time ago now.  A lot has happened.  But there's never been a question of if we should have gotten married - ever - since we said "I do."  God put us together, and to this day I have been so grateful for that.