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I remember when we reached the point in our marriage where we had been together longer than we had been single. It was thrilling to have crossed that milestone bringing with it a sense of success. Although we were very aware of God’s grace being the source of that success, for we would have never made it past year #3 without Him. 🙂
We just celebrated 34 years of marriage. I will turn 54 in July, and Tom will be 59 in August. I remember thinking how romantic “Come grow old with me…the best is yet to be,” sounded. To have someone who shared your life, love and desires. It would be a dream come true. Yet, you never really think about “growing old,” not really. At least I didn’t. I was content in the present and only dreamed about the future with rose-colored glasses. I thought growing old would be my happily-ever-after.
Life hasn’t dealt us that fairy-tale ending so far. It has been hard. It has had heart-breaks and disappointments. It has threatened to steal our joy and peace. It doesn’t look like we had dreamed it would in many ways, and it could be easy to grow more cynical as the years pass, but I haven’t.
I find myself praying more and more for God’s help from this vantage point…But God!
These are the two words that offer us hope when facing such times. He is sovereign in all things. This includes times of sadness and disappointment. He is wanting to teach important Truths learned only in the valley. Growing old is not desirable to those who are idolizing youth, but it is desirable for the mature and wise of heart.
Those who grow old in their understanding of the Bible realize that the best really is yet to be.
There is a day we’re all waiting for, when Christ will appear and wipe every tear from our eyes. Our growing old years have a purpose and that is to make us more like Christ. He is helping us shed mortality’s grip to embrace immortality. He suffered and endured pain for the joy that was set before Him. That joy was our salvation. He delighted to suffer for our freedom. This Truth informs my soul that the best really is yet to be.
What difficulties are you facing today? Are you feeling the weight of age, sadness or disappointment? How can meditating on the Truth of Eternity inform your emotions that the best is yet to be? Have you talked with your spouse about it? We encourage you to do so and pray for the Holy Spirit’s help to lead you through the struggle.
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The Romantic Vineyard 
Wow it will be quite some time before David and I will have been together longer than we were single! 🙂
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Yes, but what a story your years will tell!
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I hope so! 🙂
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Congratulations on your 34 years. That is tremendous!
Yes, long marriages allow for valleys and mountains, disappointment and joy. But what I have found is what a blessing it is to be married to a man who believes also believes in God, and what lies ahead for all of eternity. It certainly is a comfort!
Thanks for sharing at NOBH!
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Kim,
Thank you for the anniversary wishes. God has been a constant help through each year and we thank Him that we aren’t who we used to be.
Thanks for joining in!
Blessings,
Debi
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I’m the opposite. So, I’ve been more careful with my choice since then 🙂
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Roy,
Great choice to learn from the past. As always, it’s good to hear from you!
Blessings,
Debi
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It seems to me that the passage of years changes how people think in one of two ways – better or bitter. Praising God that the two of you are so clearly on the better side!
And congrats on 34 years!
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Thank you, Paul and Lori. We are grateful for such an evidence of God’s grace.
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We are heading into our 40th in the fall and yes it has been a challenge.
The new challenges are around our elderly parents and then to add concerns for our ‘married’ children and grand children. It doesn’t end. When it seems to be calm something happens and we are ‘needed’ again. The saying ‘parenting never ends’ is true. No matter how old the ‘children are’ they are still your family and you want to support them.
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Sharon,
You are so right! Parenting never ends!! And it’s a joy to be the support they need, but it’s exhausting at times too. Happy almost 40 years!! Wow!
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Congratulations for turning 34 in your marriage. I can’t wait for the day our marriage days will be more than our single days. Thanks for helping us to shift the focus to God. As always, great post Debi.
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Thanks, Walter. It’s good to hear from you!
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