August 2 was a special day for me. Thirty-seven years ago on that date, my wife Ann and I were married.
Six years ago, on the eve of our anniversary, I wrote a post on ten things I'd learned about marriage at that point. You can read the post here.
In the intervening years, the lessons mentioned have been underscored. But there are two other lessons I've learned.
One is that, if you're blessed with children, it is deeply satisfying to watch their growth as they go more deeply into their adult years. It's a thing of wonder, really, to observe their growth in judgment, maturity, humor, and, if you're especially fortunate, as we are, their faith in Christ.
Another lesson is that, if you've worked hard at your relationship over time, even though you've been imperfect along the way, the time you spend with your spouse will be something you enjoy even more than you did when you were younger.
Ann and I had dinner with high school friends recently. "You two seem to really do well together," one of them observed. We both agreed and I said, "We enjoy each other's company." That's a thing to be savored!
I can't emphasize enough how important and how central our relationship with Christ is. Neither one of us is perfect. Each of us knows our need for the forgiveness and grace given by Christ. Knowing that, in turn, leads to humility and, not coincidentally, a sense of humor that makes it easier for us to laugh at ourselves and with each other...and to move on together.
I am so blessed to be married to Ann and I thank God for her every day! (Even when she razzes me for telling the same old stories I've told a hundred times before!)
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