Many many words has been written about marriage. I know I have written my share. I surely will add more some day. But you know what is much more powerful that marriage written about? Marriage lived out. Marriage lived out can not be done in the sterile space that words are often crafted in. Marriage is lived out right in midst of the reality of two people living with each other each day. Some days madly in love. Other days just madly mad.
On this day of my parent’s anniversary, I say hoorah to them for living marriage each day for these many years. I have no idealistic mistaken ideas that their marriage has been perfect bliss every day that others might have. I have lived too close for such dreams. But what I do have is admiration for them because they have continued to persevere with each other each day whether on any individual day their hearts swelled with affection or raged with frustration. They have learned how to admit sin and forgive it. And that is truly how Christian marriage is lived out. It is lived out by sharing that which one receives from Christ in Word and Sacrament with one another. It is what powers the most joyous days and what sanctifies even the worst days. This is what I know and what I have seen from my parents.
So Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Thanks for living marriage each day! Why not email my folks at paulandcarolyn@ihoppe.com whether you know them or not? Wish them well and thank them for living marriage each day.
I think this is the modern version of calling for a card shower. Make it happen, okay?
