Monday, May 23, 2011

"I DO" times 24


May 23, 1987 - 24 years ago today at the Temple Baptist Church in Pueblo, Colorado - I said "I DO!" Today is mine and Laura's 24th wedding anniversary and what a ride it has been. We have experienced many of the ups and downs that come with 24 years of life and find ourselves, as a result, even more in love today than we were 24 years ago. Some have likened marriage to a 3-ring circus:

First, comes the engagement ring!
Second, comes the wedding ring!
Third, comes the suffer-ring!

I really feel for those whose experience in marriage has followed that path. I loved the idea of marriage 24 years ago when I first said, "I DO ' and I love it even more today.

To me, one of the best parts of marriage is that we get to do life and then grow old...together! In fact, Sunday morning I talked with a couple at church who are in their 65th year of marriage...to each other. How cool is that? Let's see, for Laura and I, we will reach that milestone on May 23, 2052 (mark the date...you are all invited to the party!).

I once heard marriage defined as, "the art of two incompatible people living together compatibly." There is a lot of truth to that. That's why a good marriage takes hard work. But every effort you put into it is worth it.

A successful marriage starts by understanding that love is far more than a feeling - it's a choice. I often talk to couples who tell me that they have "fallen out of love". Folks, listen, love isn't a tree that you fall out of. It's a choice! I can honestly say that in 24 years of marriage we haven't always "felt" like loving each other. But do you know why our marriage has been successful? Because even during those rare times that we didn't feel like loving each other we chose to love each other anyway.

May 23, 1987 - we chose to love each other!

May 23, 2011 - we continue to choose to love each other!

May 23, 2052 - we will still be choosing to love each other!

Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart!
I love you!

12 comments:

Carrie said...

Happy Anniversary!!!

Pastor Scott said...

Thanks, Carrie!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! James and Christina Post, the missionaries who spoke in church yesterday, share your anniversary date. Today is #2 for them. They are "celebrating" by driving back to Detroit today. :) Hope you have time to celebrate and relect on the past 24 years. Congratulations! Cheryl H.

Pastor Scott said...

Thanks, Cheryl. Unfortunately with the schedule the way it was yesterday I was never able to meet the Posts. Would you email me their email address so I could make a contact with them? Thanks!

Craig said...

Well said! Happy Anniversary Scott & Laura and congratulations on 24 years of love and commitment. I wish many many more.

Pastor Scott said...

Thanks, Craig! It is always good to hear form you, my friend!

gail wetmore said...

Happy Anniversary!!!! Christ's abundant blessings on both of you today and for the rest of your lives!!

Pastor Scott said...

Many thanks, Gail.

trendsbytracey said...

Hope you and Laura had a fantastic day yesterday. Happy Anniversary! Tracey and Rich Denlinger

Pastor Scott said...

Thanks, Tracey! Appreciate you thinking of us! Blessings!

David Felty said...

You didn't call me to sing some 80's song for you.

Pastor Scott said...

Hi David! Now that would have been perfect! I have told several people about my anniversary last year - dancing in church - you gotta love it! I think and pray for you and Jen often, my friend! Blessings to you and your expanding family! Love ya, man!