Anniversary

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. John 12:24 HCSB

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. Ralph Waldo Emerson*

In August of 1959, a young Marine Corps private was married to a pretty country girl in Arkansas. The plan was for them to be married and for her to finish high school in Arkansas while he served his country in California. However, when the time came for him to leave, she couldn’t let him go. With the last of their money, they purchased a second bus ticket and she traveled with him to California with nothing but the clothes she wore. A few months later, he was sent to Okinawa and she returned home to finish school, but they kept their reckless, powerful love for one another.

Recently, the couple above, my parents, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Someone asked them how they were able to stay married for such a long time. Everyone laughed as if it was a joke, but I knew the answer. Everyday, they treated each other as if they were more important than themselves.

Lord, help us die to ourselves everyday.

*thinkexist.com