30 Dates for 30 Years

 

It's 30 years later, and the smiles are still there!

30 years holds a lot of memories, and for Mike and me, it holds a lot of happiness. This past summer we celebrated our 30^th anniversary. Actually, we are still celebrating it, because we decided to have 30 dates in celebration of our 30 years. We even had fun putting the list of dates together. They range from ones as simple as having a cup of tea together on our deck to spending a day at the beach in New Jersey where we had our honeymoon.

 

Our daughter, Amy, is getting married this month. At her bridal shower we had a spot for people to write a message or advice for the bride-to-be. This made me think about the best advice I’ve received. Probably at the top is my mom’s encouragement to always put Jesus first, others second and yourself last. That leads to true joy, just like the acronym created by the first letters of Jesus, others, you. This is true not just in marriage, but in all of life. I know it is backwards from what most every commercial tells us. However, if you put it into practice, you will be surprised at the depth of joy it leads to.

 

The pastor who married Mike and me also gave us sound advice. He talked about how often you hear that marriage must be 50/50, then he said to forget that. He stated that if we each focused on always giving 100%, we would have a solid marriage. I’ve found that to be another excellent truth. I wonder if part of the reason may be that those who approach marriage with the 50/50 concept are always calculating if they each are doing their “fair share”. Believe me, as long as you both give 100%, it balances out! It also brings joy, because you are helping the one you love.

The advice I decided to share with Amy was to keep God first always, and to be sure to keep having dates. Going on dates is crucial, and it is so much fun!! I don’t think it even matters all that much what you do; the more important thing is who you’re doing it with! Throughout our lives together, Mike and I have enjoyed many dates. It is so good to set aside special time together, to catch up together, talk together, laugh together, and simply be together, apart from everyone else. Notice that the key word is together.


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Of course, I am so fortunate, because Mike is one of a kind. Then again, I hope that everyone feels that way about the one they marry.

 

                                                                                                                               ~ Sarah