Okay, one last swipe at sentimental stuff, and I’m moving on…
The year is 1983. President Ronald Reagan has proposed to develop technology to intercept enemy missiles called Strategic Defense Initiative — nicknamed “Star Wars.” McDonald’s has introduced a new product called the Chicken McNugget. “M*A*S*H” has ended after 10 years on CBS TV, the first longest running TV series ever. Over 125 million Americans tune in to watch the final episode.
Microsoft has developed a word processing software product called “Word.” Sally Ride is flying (actually floating) high – the first woman in space, aboard the Challenger. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is opening in box offices across the country. Nintendo is introducing a new video game called Super Mario Brothers. India – that’s right, India –will shock the cricket world on this very day by winning the Prudential Cup. I know, I know! Can you believe it?
“I.O.U.” by Freeez is the #1 dance tune in the country. “Flashdance: What a Feeling” by Irene Cara is the number one pop hit. Mickey Gilley’s “Fool for Your Love” is atop the country charts.
The New York Times Bestseller List features Return of the Jedi as the #1 fiction best-seller. In Search of Excellence is the #1 non-fiction book.
We pay $3.15 to see Return of the Jedi. We fill up with gas that cost an outrageous $1.16 a gallon. We also mail a few letters for 20 cents apiece.
And in a little farm and oil town in West Texas called Brownfield, I stand with my fiancé and repeat these words:
I Andy, take you Robin, to be my wedded wife. I promise to be honest and true to you always. I will make whatever adjustments are necessary so that I may genuinely share my life with you. And as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
With the exception of grandparents, the family is still all here, on both sides. That’s cool. The friends in the wedding party have scattered across the country – to California, Arizona, Canada, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi, and who-knows-where. Three kids, twelve houses, eight churches, eight dogs, five cats, two hamsters, innumerable fish, one grandkid, and more friends than we can count later, we are greatly blessed.
So where was God when I made those vows? Giving gifts. Hearing every word. Making Himself available when times got tough. That’s why He says,
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving
And pay your vows to the Most High;
Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me” (Psalms 50:14-15).
May I tell you from 25 years of experience that God’s promise and offer are true?
And so on this most unique of anniversaries so far, I offer to God thanksgiving for the gift of my wife. I remember (again!) those vows I made, which are as relevant today as ever. And I am reminded today that whatever trouble we may encounter is an opportunity to experience God in ways that are as new as the sunrise and fresh as the morning dew.
Happy Anniversary, Robin! I love you more than ever.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy anniversary, Andy. What a tribute to God’s faithfulness–25 years! Ray and I will be celebrating our 5th en route to seminary in Aug. Peace.
Ivys last blog post..I’ve turned the corner and…
Andy,
Adjustments we have both had to make, the sacrifices we have had to make have made us better, the trials have made us stronger, and the Lord Himself knew we were made to spend our lives together. Lets go for 25 more…these will definitly be different but without a doubt will be filled with adjustments and challenges as well. Mostly, it will be filled with 25 more years of loving you.
You ARE my beloved.
Robin