First Baptist Church of Herndon

A Match Made in Heaven

Linda Soller | Mar 25, 2013

My parents were married for 59 years and 7 months. Yesterday would have been their 60^th wedding anniversary. I think that’s pretty impressive and not because it was my parents. Well that does have something to do with it. I think even as a kid I appreciated that they loved being together, but they also treasured their independence.  Before dad passed he left us kids a note. He said he loved us and was so proud and reiterated what we grew up hearing, which was family is everything. But clearly the main point of his communication to us was we better be sure to take care of “his bride,” it was a gentle threat. When you read the note you find yourself looking around half expecting dad to be standing there wagging his finger at you.

I didn’t really select this topic to start a conversation of what the Bible specifically says about marriage. With wedding season around the corner and my parents’ anniversary right here I really just started thinking about the connections I see between the teachings in the Bible and a successful marriage.

Marriage is challenging and the Bible is clear that God doesn’t promise a life of no problems, but he does promise a life with his support. A marriage is all about support, and not just financial.  In the Bible we read about love, caring, loyalty, honesty, joy, sorrow, sickness and health. Hey, isn’t that a description of a marriage? Those traits that we value and strive to obtain as Christians are needed for a successful marriage.  Then there is faith. If marriage is not a step out in faith I don’t know what is. You make a commitment to go forward in life with faith that you are with the right person. Sometimes it does not work the way we expected.  Sometimes in the Bible people’s faith falls short. In life and in marriage there is always God.

My parents did not have a destination wedding. They went to Niagara Falls for their Honeymoon; it was the in place to go - well maybe not in March. They didn’t move from house to house. They made decisions for the long haul.  Their marriage may not have been perfect but it lasted, and there is much to be said for that. To their credit they managed to raise a family who loved them more than they will ever understand. So mom, this entry is for you and for dad, a thank you for lessons and examples of love and faith; faith in each other, faith in us, and faith in God.  A promise that when dad looks down he will be happy with how we are treating you and he will see how his love of family has been passed on to the younger generations.

God brings people in to our lives every day. Some stay for a long time and some are gone before we know it. At the worst you may not have enough time to really form a relationship with some of the people who cross your path, and in the best case you may enjoy a match made in heaven!

Have a great week :o) Linda