My husband's parents celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on Saturday. It was wonderful. We'd wanted to throw them a huge party and invite all their friends, but they insisted on keeping it to the kids and grandkids, and a brother and his wife who live close.
We made a fancy dinner: Garlic and rosemary Cornish game hens, wild rice, green beans almondine, waldorf salad, and a beautiful wedding cake for dessert. We asked them questions about their life together, listened to stories and laughed and reminisced. We'd gathered family photos and made an amazing slideshow to watch after dinner. Then we thanked them for the life they've lived together and for blessing their children and grandchildren by passing on their faith. We all wiped away tears of gratitude and appreciation for the legacy they've given us.
And seeing 50 years of photos made us all appreciate both the dailiness and the timelessness of their commitment. They've weathered some big storms, but they've also weathered the little ones: irritations and differences that can be like a burr under a saddle if you let it. You couldn't find two more opposite people, but somehow they carved out a life that is rich in love and genuine enjoyment of one another. It is quite an example.
Bob and Esther Ridge - don't they look great?
I'm pretty sure Bob and Esther didn't set out to make some kind of marriage record. Those two young kids did just what we are doing....the best they could with what they had. And they just kept going, day by day.
Today's Small Thing is to think about YOUR legacy. I know it doesn't feel like you're making much of one, but slowly and steadily you ARE. Most people will not get to have a 50th anniversary, but everyone will leave something behind: memories, time spent, faith passed on, handmade quilts, photos. The minutes and days of caring for children, working at jobs, making dinners and cleaning up messes add up to something important. Even the peanut butter sandwiches add up to something pretty sweet, because they are made with love.
As you move through your day, take time to cherish the story God is writing. Even if you are in one of life's valleys, remember that He is working. Pause to pray for your children (or future children), for your spouse (or future spouse). See the things you do today as an investment in the legacy you are leaving.
POINTS: 40 for praying for your family, and seeing the dailiness of your love as a legacy for the people in your life.
