It’s two weeks past our anniversary, but this is the weekend the calendar provides for a little get-a-way.
Just the two of us.
We’ve done this only one other time in all our years of marriage. It’s an odd year anniversary – number 17. Anniversaries five and ten were celebrated at our honeymoon spot, with our children. This year, it just seems right to share some time alone.
In a world where divorce is nearly half as common as marriage, every year is worth noting. Exchanging our vows at 22 years of age, we were told we were too young to make the right choice. We knew better. Many times I’ve wondered how many anniversaries would have to pass by before I could say, “I told you so.” I suppose with a family divorce happening after 24 years I could still be told to hold my tongue. But I know better. And I think after seventeen years, our family does, too.
Ours is not a marriage of feelings alone that is easily washed away.
No, ours is a marriage of covenant. A commitment to one another, a promise made before our God.
He holds us together when the waves of life crash upon us.
And when the world tries to undercut our resolve to remain faithful to one another.
It is in Christ alone that are we able to love.
That we are able to look to the promise of the years ahead.
Remaining firm in our love.
And as I look forward to counting the years ahead, I count the graces of our special time to celebrate the years that have passed:
#398 – 426
Eric, my love
seventeen years of life together
the beauty of our state
and the lake that shares its name
sand dunes
sunny skies
warm breezes
quick-stepping on hot sand
cool shady spots
walking along the shore
water lapping over our feet
sand that squeaks
long drives on country roads
long talks
Amish country
waves and nods from each person we pass
white farmhouses, without driveways
schoolhouse
water pump
cattails
ice cream that is udderly delicious
traveling off the beaten path
him making me laugh, again and again
forests
spotting dear nearly a dozen times
curious fawn
riding late into the evening
in no hurry to get anywhere
still twitterpated after seventeen years
In hope (and in love),
Shelli
This post is linked at with the Gratitude Community at Holy Experience as I share my list of One Thousand Gifts.
About Shelli Bourque