A Cord of Three Strands

I thought it appropriate, considering Tuesday is Valentine’s Day, to write this post about the incredible blessing God brought into my life 31 years ago. We were just kids, really. I was 18 and he was only 21, but when we met, we knew that life would never be the same. We were both attending college, and as it turned out, we met on the third day of school. We had an immediate connection, as if we had always known each other. And, six short weeks later, we became engaged! Roy proposed, while dressed as “Bam-Bam” (from the Flintstones) for a costume party. Yes, I was “Pebbles”, complete with a bone in my hair. As I looked at this wonderful young man down on one knee, clad in a faux animal skin and sandals, I wasn’t sure he was serious. I mean, how many times does one get proposed to by a caveman? But, through my laughter, I said “yes” and we were blessed to be married a few months later.

Each year we have been together, God has shown us more and more about what marriage really means. Marriage is not simply the co-habitation of two people who merely like each other. It is much, much more. When we said, “I do”, we were no longer two separate lives. We were joined as one by the One who loved us first. “…and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Mark 10:8-9). We discovered that sacrifice and selflessness are key components of true love, for what one partner does always affects the other.

We have been blessed to love each other at our best and at our worst, through hard times and easy times. Our lives together have been a beautiful mixture of joys and tears, challenges and triumphs. And through it all, our God has reigned! The most important thing I can ever say to others about marriage is that a love between two people, whose lives are centered on Christ, will stand the tests of time and shine as a testimony of God’s faithfulness for all who see. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). When we focus on God, our Binding Strand, He enables us to face any challenge that comes before us.

My husband is a true gift from God. Roy is my confidant, my sweetheart and the best friend I could ever ask for. On this Valentine’s Day, I am thanking the Lord for bringing him into my life. Each day, as I look back over the years and remember all that we have shared; my love for him grows stronger and deeper. This 50 year old woman loves him more now than I ever have…and I know this is only the beginning. Thank you, Lord, for my husband, Roy. With him, I am truly blessed.

With Thankfulness,

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

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