Yesterday my mom and dad celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.  For the past six months lots of plans were made to make this once in a lifetime event memorable.  Pictures were scanned and placed in a Power Point presentation, altar flowers were ordered, the caterer arranged, and the guests invited.  As with all planning, we experienced laughter and frustration, but in the end we had a great time preparing for the big day.

The text read at their wedding ceremony was, "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:  He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."  (Psalm 37: 5-6)   As I reflect on the events that have stretched my parent's faith over the past fifty years, I see the impact this passage has had not only in their marriage, but also in the lives of their children and grandchildren.

The snapshots that were shared during the anniversary party represented the happy times.  The camping trips to the Four Corners with a different limb resting in four different states at once, seeing the presidents faces carved on the side of the mountain at Mount Rushmore, or trying to spend the night at Camp David.  The annual fish catching ritual over Labor Day weekend, opening Christmas gifts, and the numerous birthday parties, or other family events also brought back memories.  However, I noticed that we never documented the hard time with photos.  

The times that the rain didn't fall, and the corn dried up in the hundred degree heat.  The times that the rain continued to fall, and the seeds couldn't get planted.   The times that poison ivy, mumps, chicken pox, or the flu bug made us miserable.  The night of a car crash that caused a permanent limp or the afternoon a gear ripped off a finger.    The times that the cost to raise hogs far exceeded the check received after selling a trailer load.  The times when the children made choices that caused disappointment and questions of where did we go wrong?     The countless times forgiveness was freely given.  

My parents instilled in each of their children the love of the Lord.  They saw the importance of baptizing their children, enrolling them in a Christian school, teaching them prayers, and modeling a Christian lifestyle.  And when their children left the "nest," they continued to be role models for their grandchildren.     And yet the party last night falls short of the grander party my parents have arranged the way for their children and grandchildren to attend.     For the events throughout their married life were just stepping stones to the party of all parties, the grand entry into heaven when we will walk through the gates and be embraced by our Lord, Jesus Christ.  The delicious food, the music, and the laughter shared last night are nothing compared to the event that is yet to come.

Thank you, mom and dad, for trusting in the Lord, not only in the good times but also in the hard times.  Thank you for sharing your faith with us.    Thank you for your commitment to your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier.  Thank you for sharing the invitation to the ultimate party to come, and for your guidance, support, and encouragement as we grow in our Christian faith and share His love with friends and family in the days and years to come.  

Enjoying the ride,