On August 26, 1961, in a little church in Genoa City, Wisconsin, a young man and a young woman made a covenant before God, their families, and their friends to become husband and wife. They pledged their vows to one another and united themselves under the Lordship of Christ for their marriage, home, and family. Now, 50 years later, that covenant is still in effect and still reaping rewards and blessings from the heavenly Father.
My earliest recollections are of my parents and the happy home environment that they created. It was a home of love and laughter, of contentment and joy. We didn’t have much, at least not by other people’s standards. But as a child, I don’t remember feeling like we were missing anything. Because we had each other – Dad and Mom and siblings as well. We had good health and great memories. What more could we ask for?
I distinctly remember the times that my father led us in family worship. There was something special about having everyone together reading the Bible, singing songs of praise, and taking time to pray together. Although my parents never reached the level of full consistency, they sewed the seeds of what would become a concern of mine as a father. I’ll always be indebted to those values that were instilled in my life.
My father was a truck driver by occupation and he wasn’t always able to be home every evening. However, he never wasted his time on selfish and trivial pursuits that otherwise took him away from his family. We always knew that he loved us and worked very hard to provide for our needs. And we’re grateful that the times away were far less than the times at home.
As a result, life wasn’t always easy for my mother. There were times when she would have to deal with four high maintenance children all by herself for days (and sometimes weeks) at a time. She always bore the bulk of the burden of responsibilities around the home. And I’ll be forever thankful that she sacrificed opportunities to be a stay-at-home mom while we were growing up, a decision that is not understood by some today.
When my mother did re-enter the workforce, it was as a teacher for the class of her youngest child. (my brother) Because each of us children attended the same Christian school that she taught at, she was immediately available for any one of us if necessary. Mom wanted to make sure that in addition to receiving a good education, we were also receiving a foundation of instruction in the ways of the Lord.
In a very real sense, I can say that if it weren’t for that event 50 years ago, I wouldn’t be here today. My life was formed out of the union that was created by God on that day. Each of my family members have been blessed by the legacy of our dad and mom.
Today there are four children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. I’m happy that my children have gotten to know their grandparents and have had the privilege of being able to spend considerable time with them through the years. As I was reviewing pictures lately, I was pleased to see that my parents had been there for all the significant events in our lives. Thanks, Dad and Mom for making those things a priority!
There’s another blessing that I have to share with Dad and Mom. They attend the same church that I pastor! Consequently, my family gets the experience of being able to worship together with them each week. And my kids get to see the fruit of a Godly heritage being passed down from generation to generation.
I love you Dad and Mom. I hope you have a wonderful 50th anniversary. May God’s richest blessings continue to be made manifest in your life. And may you enjoy many more years of blessing in your marriage.