Today, two of the most important, amazing people in my life are celebrating 39 years of marriage; my mom and dad! Congrats mom and dad on 39 amazing years of being blessed by God! My mom and dad are and have always been everything that a mother and father should be. My sisters and I were raised in a home filled with unconditional love and amazing support from our parents.
I've been amazingly blessed to see the love story that is my mom and dad's unfold and it is one of the greatest blessings God has given me. They've taught me so much about what love and marriage look like, love like, and live like.
Thank you mom and dad, you've taught me:
1. That love is commitment and a covenant, not merely feelings and emotions.
2. That marriage requires hard work, sacrifices, compromise, and perseverance.
3. That "I love you" and "I'm sorry" are phrases that should be spoken frequently and meant with all of your heart.
4. That it is possible to put someone before yourself but after God and that you lose none of your identity in doing so.
5. That unconditional love and serving one another is always best.
6. That faithfulness, honesty, integrity, and honor, while in short supply in many places, have always been prominent in your lives and marriage.
7. How to know what to look for in a wife and how to treat her and love her once we're married.
8. How to raise children with love, integrity, and faith.
9. That it's never too late to let God do the amazing in your life and marriage.
10. That God's Word is true when it says "all of my days were ordained before one of them came to be" (Ps. 139) because there is no doubt that God made you for each other and intended for you to walk side-by-side, together, through this life. You're celebrating 39 years of marriage but you've been together for 49 years! Wow!
11. The greatest lesson you've taught me through you're marriage is what a God-honoring, God-fearing, Christ-lifting marriage looks like. You love Jesus, each other, your children/grandchildren, and your family and friends with amazing love. There's nothing you wouldn't do for us and your love for us has always been a reflection of God's love. It was very easy for me to know that God is real and to trust in Him because I saw Him alive in each of you and in your marriage. That's the greatest gift you've ever given me. Thank you. You've shown me that you're not perfect, but that you trust in the One (Jesus) who is.
Words cannot express the love I have for you and the pride I feel when I tell people that you're my parents. You've always been my biggest cheerleaders and in my corner for everything. It is my honor to carry your name and be your son. Thank you for all that you mean to Michelle and I and for the AMAZING grandparents that you are to Clarissa, Elizabeth, Alexa, and Trey.
May God bless you richly with many more years of marriage and continue to grow and give you a love for each other like nothing you've ever experienced. I love you.
Tell your parents I said congrats!!! Miss you guys & hope to make it down there soon to visit. What's your highest recommendation for a good read? That Christine Caine looks appealing. Let me know
Posted by: Richard H. Wendland | July 13, 2009 at 12:23 AM
Thank you so much, our precious son, for the beautiful sentiments that you have spoken from your heart. We are truly blessed to be parents to you, Debbie, and Lisa. May God continue to bless you and our precious Michelle in your marriage as you journey together. We thank God for all the blessings He has given us in our children and especially our BEAUTIFUL grandchildren, Kaika, Biki, Lexi, and "baby" Trey. We love you son and ask God to continue to bless and guide you as you lead your family and His church,Cornerstone.
Love You Forever,
Mom and Dad
Posted by: Mom and Dad | July 11, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Wow. What a testimony!!! I pray that your children will be able to read this story
to you on future anniversaries. Stay blessed brother Loui and sister Michelle.
You're following a good example and someday that baton will be handed to you
to continue the race of life. We love you all!!!
Posted by: Ruben & Irma Gonzales | July 11, 2009 at 11:50 AM