We had lunch on Sunday with dear friends of ours, Jerry and Shirley Corbett. In September they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. It’s obvious they love each other, they enjoy being together, and they love God more today than they ever have.
Why? Why are they so joyful after all these years?
First, and foremost, they are in love with their Savior. They realize that everything they’ve been given is on loan from Him, and they have been good stewards. Hundreds of women, couples and families have benefited from their kind generosity and hospitality. It’s like breathing to them. Tom and I are grateful to God that we have lived much of our married life in their shadow.
Second, they shared their secret for marital happiness. They said it quite simply,
“We’re not the same people we were when we first got married. As the years passed and children were added to our family (3 in 3 1/2 years!) changes took place in our hearts, and we had to adjust and learn to love who we’d each become. Each season brought new changes and learning to love the new person was vital to our marriage.”
By God’s grace they have 58 years to look back and reflect upon.
Shirley said jokingly about looking at old family photos, “Who are those people?”
Noticing changes over time can be quite drastic, but day in and day out it’s easy to be deceived in thinking things will never change. But they do, and we must choose to adjust, embrace and even love the changes, so one day we’ll do as Jerry and Shirley with smiles on our faces and ask…
The Romantic Vineyard 
This is a wonderful explanation of how married life can and should be. But at the same time I know the answer to “Who are those people?”. The old photos of all of us show the clay that God molds and shapes day after day to do His will so that we can become more like Jesus each and every new day. We are new individuals and couples every day.
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Dan,
You’re exactly right. And what’s amazing is that after decades together the changes are so drastic that it does seem as if those people in the old pictures are not like we are today at all. It’s as if they’re strangers. I love how God is faithfully to complete the work He’s begun in each of us and that has a huge impact on our marriage as well.
Great comment!
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A long enjoyable marriage is possible within the bounds of a godly relationship. When God is at the core, the partners will soar. This is a wonderful example for young folks to imitate. Commitment to one’s ;life long partner will focus our love onto the other person rather than ourselves. This couple seems to be a legacy for all to look p to. Thank you for shining the spotlight on them for us!
They show that you can crack the romance code if you try!
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Jerry,
You’re so right–they are a great example of how marriage can succeed and glorify God. It is a privilege to “shine the spotlight” on their marriage. I love the idea of cracking the romance code–got me thinking…
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Debbie, Have you been to my blog, CrackingTheRomanceCode.com? Please give me your thoughts! Jerry
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 12:28:41 +0000 To: josiah2@hotmail.com
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Jerry,
Yes, I have, and I love it! Thanks for all you do to add to the much needed voice for godly marriages across the internet. So glad to join with you on this endeavor.
Debi
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Thank you for your kind thoughts. I am very early in the stages of the blog. One friend a few months ago suggested for me to write and post and upgrade as I went. I think this is really good advice since I would still be trying to get it all figured out!
Thank you for all you two do for marriages. Your approach is very refreshing.
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I love stories like this. It is like a breath of fresh air in this world that is so toxic. I love receiving wisdom from those who have gone before me. What a blessing.
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We agree, Jen. The stories of those who have successfully shared life and love for decades are worth hearing and emulating. Thanks for your encouragement.
Debi
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