twenty-six years of love and blessings

Today is my parents' twenty-sixth wedding anniversary.

I am so thankful for them and so proud of them. In a world where divorce is common--practically expected--after just a few years of marriage, where infidelity is no longer a rarity, where adultery is acceptable, these two have made it twenty-six years with none of that. Over a quarter century with just each other, and no one else, EVER.

That's impressive.

They'll tell you right away, though, that it's because of grace, and because of God. They don't claim credit for themselves, although they could. This marriage is based on and centered around Jesus Christ, and that's what makes it work. They "submit to one another out of reverence to Christ" (Ephesians 5:21).

They have learned the value of forgiveness. Of admitting when they're wrong, and graciously accepting apologies. They've learned how to be a team, to work together in everything. They've learned how to ask for help when they need it, and they've learned so much that they are able to give a lot of help to others.

These two have learned how to be great parents. Through practice, patience, and prayer they have and are still raising three children to love God, love each other, and love others, besides teaching them a lot of other things.

They constantly point others--especially their children and family--to Jesus. He's the reason for everything they do, and he is the source of everything they are. Without faith in him, their marriage would not be what it is.

They have built a life together, a family, a home, all on the solid rock of Christ. And a home with Christ as its cornerstone is solid and will not fall.

They are a shining example to their children and to many others of what a Christ-centered marriage can and should look like. No, they're not perfect, but they follow the Perfect One, and that's what matters.

So today, and every day, thank you, Mom and Dad, for loving each other--for loving me and my siblings--for setting an example of what a Godly marriage should be. I hope and pray that Joshua and I will be able to leave the same legacy and set the same example you have.

I am so thankful for you both. Happy anniversary!

Linking with: black tag diaries, The Fontenot Four, There's Just One Mommy