The Blessing of Marriage

“Didn't the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth.”  Malachi2:15.  My dear parents, Jan and Don Kern, celebrate 65 years of marriage today.  Way back in 1947, WWII had just ended, my Dad, who had been an Ensign in the Navy, returned to marry his sweetheart, the wife of his youth.  He was 22, and she had just turned 20.  Wow, that seems like babies by today’s standards, but the war had caused them to grow up quickly. It comes as no secret to married people, that marriage is not easy.  A man and a woman, from different cultural, educational, emotional, familial, etc. backgrounds, entering into a lifetime covenant relationship with each other and God.  Pledging their lives, for richer and poorer, in sickness and health, in good times and bad, till death do them part.  Can any of us truly fathom what that means?  Divorce rates would prove they don’t. According to Wikipedia, “The median length for a marriage in the US today is 11 years with 90% of all divorces being settled out of court.”  I know that my parents went through all those scenarios, included in their vows, and I’m sure like any normal couple, they pondered on what it would be like to not be married at one time or another. But, there was always something more, that commitment not only to each other, but to God.  We must all be diligent in protecting our hearts from the arrows of discontent.  Sure, there is always something or someone out there that looks more appealing, or as my Dad always said, “The herbage is more verdant on the opposite side of the barrier.”, but the gift of marriage is worth working at.  Sure it’s not easy, and it’s not about being deliriously happy 24/7, (like that’s possible), it must be centered and re-centered on God alone.  Today I want to thank God for gifting me with such wonderful parents, and ask that He continue to bless them all the days of their married lives.  I love you Mom and Dad!!  P.S. It’s also my, and my husband’s, 38th Anniversary, so please send any left over blessings our way, God…it‘s a long way to 65!!