Celebrating

DARYL and I recently celebrated 41 years of marriage. I posted a little collage of some photos from the last number of years on Facebook. Now while some people might despise social media, we were absolutely delighted at all the well wishes and comments from people all over the world. What a great joy for so many of you to celebrate with us. It was like we had champions for our marriage and people rooting for many beautiful days ahead. How powerful is that?

Especially since we moved to a new community, and not having made a lot of friends yet, it was exceptionally moving to receive so many Inspirational words. While social media has its fault, it certainly brings us closer to one another if we choose to use it that way.

I’m also making new friends on social media as neighbors are doing friend requests. I have a friend who has a disability that causes her to be at home and social media is a lifeline for her. So as I read and engage in content online, I remember that I might just be the hope that somebody needs for that day.

Yes, there are many things that I skip over and hit delete immediately and some things I block. I have an aversion to the F word so if you use it, I will delete that entry. It’s just my choice.

Many of you commented on the love that DARYL and I have for each other. Yes it is indeed strong and has kept me solid on many a tough day. From the outside perhaps it does look like we had it easy. But I have to tell you what I tell all the couples with whom I did marriage counseling when I was a pastor. Love is Key, sex is marvelous, but forgiveness is primary. Be quick to forgive and even quicker to say I’m sorry is the advice that I always gave. Forgiveness is not a one time thing. We are human, we get frustrated, we think we’re right, and many times we just need to admit that we are wrong. Sometimes we hurt one another without even knowing it. That takes forgiveness too. I used to say to DARYL when I would hurt him, “well I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He would say “That doesn’t make it any less painful.” How right he was. We have learned over the years that tenderness is the key to a loving marriage. Lots of hugs, lots of playing, and even crying together, makes the bond strong.

Our faith in God, and our trust in Jesus’ guidance has been the light of our marriage. We are blessed that we share this faith. There were times when I felt too weak to pray and DARYL covered me with whispers to God. The music that he writes and performs lifts my soul every single day. I sing the scripture songs he wrote over and over.

I am blessed beyond words to be married to a kind, gentle and tender man. DARYL is a compliment to my wildness and spontaneity. His solid thinking through things has kept us out of many troubles. But my sense of adventure has led us on many an escapade full of joy.

Thank you all again for the marvelous well wishes for our anniversary. I do think that my last two experiences with cancer have made me appreciate every little moment with DARYL even more. So today, I pray that you will count every moment as precious. I hope you will hug someone and tell them you love them. And by the way, I really love you! Bonnie Lee.