Apostolic Friends Forum - 30 years ago today

My wife and I are renewing our vows today, and these are a few of the things I thought of this morning.

They say time flies when you’re having fun and we must be having a lot of fun, because it seems like yesterday when I married the love of my life. Thirty years ago today! What an incredible lady. She has been a faithful, loving, and supportive wife who has not only followed me as I pursued my dream of doing the work of the Lord; she has softly pushed me to ALWAYS follow Him. A wonderful mother and a godly example of what a real Christian woman is to be.

As a minister’s/pastor’s wife she has often walked in lonely places enduring the constant scrutiny of living in the glass house of leadership. She has walked through the sorrow of wounded children teaching them how to heal without becoming bitter. She has gracefully learned to balance the responsibility of being a wife and mother, while answering the demands of being “the pastor’s wife” as she “mothers” the church family. Yet, in thirty years, I have never heard her complain about the path/plan God had for our lives.

She gave me three handsome sons, who all love God and are involved in ministry today. There is no doubt that much of this is because of her example and her teaching them how to love God even when you don’t understand what/why things are happening. All three of them are married to young ladies who love them and love the Lord. I would like to think maybe they married girls who were like their mother. I hope so.

I have been incredibly blessed in this life to experience a love that many envy. We have had our ups and downs, but there was NEVER a plan B. We made a commitment before/to God and each other. It was “till death do us part.” I have often joked that I told her on our wedding day, “till death do us part, if you ever leave me I’ll kill you.” But the truth is, the “d” word was never allowed in our home, and I realize how much it takes two to commit together. I could not do it alone.

I guess what I’m trying to say is…..Rita, thank you for loving me! I love you more today than I ever have, you are the most beautiful woman in the world, and I can’t wait to see what the next thirty years will bring…….and yes, I’m pretty sure there is a special place in heaven or at least a special crown for you having to put up with me all these years.