Happy 30th Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Today marks the 30th Wedding Anniversary of my mom and dad. :) 

To me 30 years says:

-That it is possible.

-That God is good.

-That in all seasons of life, God's grace truly is sufficient.

-That love never fails.

It is hard for me to know exactly what to write in honor of this special day because the fact of the matter is that I don't know what it is like to do anything for 30 years. I do know that 30 years of just about anything is a big deal, whether its 30 years of life, or a job, and in this case marriage. While I can't say I know what marriage is like, I know that it is a relationship; a friendship. And I know a little about that. 

There is no denying that we are all living in hard times. Life is overwhelming and when we look ahead a lot of what we see is scary, intimidating, and seemingly impossible. So often when we are looking at the daunting task of survival we lose sight of the things that are most important. I believe that in addition to the always sufficient grace of God, the thing that has kept my parents these 30 years is that in those times they do not focus solely on what lies ahead. Relationships break down when all you do is look at what is in front of you, rather than who is beside you. When you focus on who is beside you, what lies ahead of you becomes irrelevant. It becomes irrelevant because no matter what it is you know that you will never have to walk it alone. You know that you will always have someone to talk with and someone to laugh with. You know that when you don't have to strength to carry yourself, someone else will be there to help. You know that no matter what fails in your life, love never does. 

My mom and dad have lived a life of love that has never failed. They have remained true to the vows they made 30 years ago, and as they grew and changed so did their love. Their life has been a life of much change, but always remembering that they had each other they have pressed on. Today, they continue to press on, they continue to conquer the unknown up ahead. They continue on in love, a love that never fails. 

The last few years have been pretty brutal on our family, there have been many times where I looked at what was ahead and freaked out, but somehow I have continued on. The reason I have been able to do that is because I know at the start of each day I am linked arm in arm, heart to heart, with my parents. Together we keep on going. That love and support has changed my life. I am able to be at peace with all the unknowns because I know that with them I will never be alone, I will always have them to laugh with, and when I can't carry myself, they will pick me up. Most of all I know that their love for me never fails. 

So, to my parents on this special day: 

Thank you for showing me what love is. Thank you for showing my what friendship truly is. Thank you for always staying true to each other, and to our family. There are many things I can go without, your love is not one of them. Thank you for loving me with an unfailing love. 

Today I honor you and I celebrate you and even though we are not together right now, and times are a little weird, please don't ever forget that we have an unbreakable bond. I am proud to call you my parents; my friends. I love you more than I can begin to express. I pray that your lives will be filled with joy and love, not just for today but for many years to come. Congratulations!

Happy 30th Anniversary Mom & Dad.