What I’ve Learned after Twenty-Three Years of Marriage

Saturday marks twenty-three years John and I have been married. Twenty-three. Where had the time gone? 

Because John and I had each been married before, we were in our late, LATE thirties by the time we tied the knot. Our age didn’t stop us from feeling like giddy teenagers. At dinner one night, at the restaurant we hoped would become the venue for our reception, we sat all googly-eyed (Is that a word? No? It is now!) while we planned the wedding. 

The waitress came over to take our order, and we began quizzing her about the possibility of having our reception in their building. Evidently, while John and I gushed with excitement over the upcoming wedding, we didn’t make ourselves perfectly clear. 

“Will it be your son or daughter getting married?” our sweet, little, YOUNG waitress asked.

BAM!

Immediately, my blushing bride bubble was busted! Not to worry. We picked our old selves up, dusted our old bones off, and continued the wedding planning. Onward!

I remember the ceremony like it was yesterday. All of our families were there. My brothers walked me down the aisle. I wanted them as a show of force, you know “Don’t you hurt our baby sister!”

Over the years, there have been many anniversary getaways to beautiful, relaxing bed and breakfast homes. What could go wrong? Turns out, a lot! They can be positively buggy!

And now, just like that, we are in our sixties, looking back on the last twenty-three years with awe and thanksgiving. There are so many memories and fun times, it’s hard to pick a favorite. There have also been seasons of loss. All I can say is, the Lord has been with us every step of the way. He has comforted us and He has blessed us indeed. 

Oh, sure, we’ve had bumps in the road. What marriage hasn’t? Thankfully, we both learned from our previous mistakes. We knew going into this marriage that it would be hard work, and a lot of give and take. We were willing!

Here’s what I would tell you – about marriage, about calling, or about life in general: Be willing to do the hard work. Be willing to yield. Don’t give up! Persevere! And do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). It is through Christ alone that we have succeeded at this thing called marriage.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?…No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:31, 37 (ESV)

Hmmmm, I wonder what the next twenty-three years will be like?

Happy anniversary, John Chauvin!

Grace be with you,