Going To The Chapel

It was a Wednesday when he popped the question, "So let's get married."  She readily agreed, while he went on to suggest, "Okay, how about this Friday?"

And they were married. 

After a weekend honeymoon they were back to work on Monday.  Now, fifty years later, they are still married. . . to each other.  Why, in days gone by, did the marriages last so much longer than today?  What was their secret?  

Of course there are many factors, but after celebrating my parents-in-law 50th wedding anniversary, I am convinced of one thing.  Back in the good ol' days the focus was on the marriage, not the ceremony.  It was two imperfect people committing to grow old together, mistakes and all.  They did not wait for perfect conditions in order to tie the knot.  Nor did they expect life to be all about candles and flowers.  They were in touch with reality, knowing it would require loyal dedication through disagreements and misunderstandings, discomforts and sickness.   

Today the question is often asked, "Why bother with the piece of paper?"   The answer is, "Because it makes all the difference to the relationship."  It crosses the bridge of commitment, taking a risk into the unknown.  This is where love meets longevity. 

Modern thinking sends us on a guilt trip declaring, "It is not fair to your husband to be someone different than who he married."  I say, "Hogwash!"  No one is the same person they were when they got married.  And, quite frankly, I'm glad I'm not!  That is the nature of love.  It commits to the other person without knowing how they will change, but believing it will be for the better. 

I am blessed to have such a strong marriage model from both sides of the family, my parents having reached their 50th as well.  It is rare.  This model of commitment snowballs down through the generations, encouraging me to keep my part in the heritage. 

And so, Mom and Dad, thank you for upholding God's mandate, to leave father and mother and cleave to each other . . . for life.  I admire your faithfulness and hope that we can one day become such a valued classic as you two have become.  And by the grace of God, we will.