Count Your Blessings #12 – Marriage

Today is Sue and I’s wedding anniversary. 

On a warm sunny summers Saturday 16 years ago Sue and I were married at Crosthwaite Parish Church in Keswick. It was a fabulous day, but only the start of many more fabulous days which have followed it.

Sue and I have been through all sorts of good times and bad times – together. And that is the purpose of marriage – together. Not as individuals, but as a couple.

We have known what it is like to be absolutely penniless, and to see God provide.

We have known what it is like to experience child birth.

We have known what it is like to watch children grow and mature.

We have known what it is like to be hurt by those we thought were our friends.

We have known what it is like to buy and to move house.

We have known what it is like to see God move in ours’ and other’s lives.

We have known what it is like to make dramatic carrier decisions.

We have known what it is like to struggle with sickness.

We have known what it is like to have money.

We have known what it is like to have been married long enough to need a knew bed.

And many many more things we have known – together.

Every year about this time the Keswick Convention draws a few thousand Christians together. Tomorrow, Sue and I, Jonathan and Emily will be getting into our car and heading there again. Each year that we go it’s a bit like a renewing of our marriage vows because it occurs so close to our Anniversary, but also because it expresses in so many ways what Sue and I are about.