Everything Under the Son

Today I had the privilege of helping out with a 50th Anniversary Celebration for two very special people. As we were getting ready for all of the friends and family to start arriving, I asked the bride of 50 years what the secret was...Nathaniel and I hope to be having just such a celebration one day! She replied that it was one word. One word sums it up. What was the word? FORGIVE.

I have been thinking about that a lot this afternoon. I thought about it as I served 175+ pieces of cake...I thought about it as I listened to the stories and looked at the photographs. I thought about it when I looked at the marriages in the room. I thought about it as I thought of the marriages that have split up around me. And, now that I am home, I am thinking about it as I look at my husband. I know that life is not perfect. I know that life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. I know that I am not perfect and I know that forgiveness is key to our marriage.

And then, as I think about it some more, I am reminded of how this is really about Jesus. It is about my constant effort to be like Jesus. It is about Jesus living in me. It is because of Him that we have forgiveness in the first place. I know that Christ loved the church - me - so much that He gave His son for my forgiveness. And I know that I am to love Nathaniel as Christ loves the church!

Whew! I am thankful! I am thankful for a husband who knows my weaknesses, and sees my failures, and loves me anyway. Forgiveness will be the glue that helps to keep our marriage happy, and more importantly, holy. I am thankful for my God, who knows my weaknesses and sees my failures, and loves me anyway. It is His forgiveness that secures my home in Heaven with Him forever!

Forgiveness...it's a powerful thing! And in it's own way, it is choosing peace!

I wish more understood that word. I sometimes have to work hard at that myself though. You know, it isn't just for marriages.
AND....I am glad you forgive me for bossing you around yesterday.