Memories

This week we dug into a box of old pictures with the kids. It was a blast looking through the photo’s of birthday parties, Christmas celebrations, church events, old youth group trips, mission trips, homes we lived in, etc.

I was blown away at the memories – especially of the memories Julie and I have made together. We started dating in High School and stayed together all the way through college. Yep, I married my High School sweetheart! As I looked through the pictures it was as if my heart swelled with love and respect for this incredible woman. Her inner and outer beauty amazes me. I’m blown away with the fact that God allowed me to marry such a woman – I’m extremely blessed.

I’m thankful for the 18+ years we have been married and for the 25+ years that we have been dating. I’m thankful and rejoice in the wife of my youth! 18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. Proverbs 5:18 (New Living Translation)

You know, neither one of us are perfect. And yes, we have had our little moments of disagreements. But we have leaned on Christ and each other – prayed together – and stayed together. As I look back, most if not all of the struggles we have had were born in my own selfish desire or attitude. The more I learn to serve my Lord and my wife the more I grow and the more our relationship grows.

I’m a little slow sometimes – yes, I admit it! But the more I learn to live out John chapter 3 verse 30 – the better my life in Christ becomes. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 (New Living Translation) To borrow from Rick Warren, “it’s not about me!” Marriage may be one of the most profound relationships on earth to learn this principle.

I still have a long way to go. I have a lot of “decreasing” to do. But for now, I’m rejoicing in the memories!