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A book is titled Life is Short, Wear Your Party Pants. It reminded me of celebrations and joyous marriages.
Barely in our twenties, Dave and I attended a lot of weddings. Then a diaper bag full of baby shower invitations arrived as friends started families. Birthday cake frosting came next. When our children were in elementary school, we ate our way through pounds of Ball Park franks, mustard, chili, and Crisco-laden sugar in back yards.
Lately, we’ve received many wedding anniversary invitations, commemorating 25, 40, 50 years of marriage. In this short-attention-span world, those are occasions worth the party pants.
Since summer is a favorite time for weddings, here is a practical suggestion for newlyweds or long time married couples: Create everyday customs that keep you connected to each other.
After many years, one couple performs a wedding tradition each morning. At wedding receptions, couples often toast each other with their arms linked. This couple continues to do this each morning with their first sip of coffee. If this is too starry-eyed for you, read on.
Our marriage-odometer will roll over 39 in a few days. One of those years, we fell into the habit of shaking hands as we leave the breakfast table. It’s a friendly way to start the day. Of course kissing hello and goodbye are age-old choices of staying connected, too.
A favorite married couple, Donn and Mildred, have learned the secret of honoring each other. Let’s just say they’ve had their wedding rings for a few years.
At a mall the other day, and in the few moments we were together, I heard Donn compliment his wife. Mildred replied with her classy smile. He also undid the foil from the top of a Hershey Kiss and offered it to Mildred. She never had to lift a finger. What a man!
And when we finally said goodbye, they strolled out hand-in-hand. Nothing is tarnished about this couple’s love for each other.
Jacob worked seven years to marry Rebekah, and they “seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her” (Genesis 29:20). Agatha Christie suggests that a woman marry an archaeologist because the older she gets, the more interested he gets.
Not married to an archaeologist, try good manners, genuine compliments, sweet rituals and practicing God’s unconditional love. They can add up to a 50th Wedding Anniversary. Bring them on. Press your party pants. Let’s have more of those “until death do you part” marriages.
You may reach Cathy at www.stainedglasspickup.com
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You have one year on me. We will reach 38 this September. I love the way we've developed "the look". When we are out at a party or gathering and one of us is ready to leave, we exchange "the look" with the other. It's not much that others would notice, at least maybe not the married "younsters." I did see a pastor and his wife exchange what I believe was "the look" at our last church picnic. They've been married a long time too.
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