Holding Hands...for 40 Years
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Our Wedding Verse, November 27, 1971
O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3
How starry-eyed and "in love" we were 40 years ago as we chose for our wedding song..
We've only just begun to live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way
(We've only begun)
Before the risin' sun, we fly
So many roads to choose
We'll start out walkin' and learn to run
And yes, we've just begun
Sharing horizons that are new to us
Watching the signs along the way
Talkin' it over, just the two of us
Workin' together day to day
Together Together
And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
And yes, we've just begun
We did find a place where there was room to grow...in each other's arms and in the Arms of our Father God.
But we didn't realize how much "dying" it would take to grow...and to live as one, did we?
...unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24
We didn't count on the stresses of everyday life being so...REAL:
making a living
parenting
changes of vocation
job losses
miscarriage
my chronic mysterious health problems
serious health crises in both of our beloved children
aging of our mothers
deaths of our fathers
your heart attack...and the list goes on
We didn't realize how hard it would be to "coordinate" our very different personalities:
YOU: introverted, quiet, analytical, observant, unemotional, thoughtful before acting...an only child of an only child mom
ME: extroverted, loud (at times), intuitive, emotional, initiating...oldest of 7 (and "the boss of the mob," as my mother says)
But according to a friend, we are the "poster children" of how the Lord's indwelling life can empower a couple, so opposite in every way, to live with each other with a measure of harmony....though not without "duking it out" at times. :)
Thanksgiving 2011
So now, I say, we've only just begun...
to live a life together rooted in true love (better than just being "in love") and to experience the friendship and companionship that come from walking through the joys and sorrows of life together.
And so, my darling John,
Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be,
the last of life, for which the first was made.
Our times are in his hand who saith,
'A whole I planned, youth shows but half;
Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!'
Robert Browning
HOLDING HANDS
One day, far away, you gently won my heart
And one night, by candlelight, we made a vow to never part
And then it seemed just like a dream
When wide eyed, side by side
We faced the future holding hands
Years fly, they hurry by, the simple times are gone
Bills due, a kid or two, a week can feel eight days long
By fading light, let's kiss goodnight And then we trace God's daily grace
Thankful we're still holding hands
There's a hope that won't let go
There's a truth we know God is holding us In His arms
Thoughts stray far away to all that lies ahead
In frail days when strength fades
Will we still mean all that we said?
Our love's secure, so rest assured
Come what may 'til that day
We'll walk forever holding hands
By God's grace 'til that day
We'll walk forever holding hands
