We are celebrating 30 years of marriage today.
What do we have to show for it? (other than a few extra pounds :) I'll tell you a few -
A loving and eternal relationship, 8 handsome sons, 1 beautiful daughter, 3 great daughters in law, 3 awesome grandchildren (and one more on the way), a beautiful and comfortable home, a strengthening testimony of the gospel, many great friends, several great life experiences ....
The written list could continue, but we are mostly grateful that we have each other and our family, whom we will enjoy for eternity if we live worthy. We find joy in the written and the unwritten list, and we look forward with excitement to so much more to come.
Last year we celebrated our 29th anniversary in the chemo room and it felt kind of strange to celebrate in such a way, but it felt good because it was part of what is making it possible for us to still have each other here on earth. Though it felt strange, it seemed like a perfect place to be, and this year I was almost disappointed that we didn't get to celebrate there again. (Weird huh! but it represents life and love to me now.) Terry is still having chemo treatments this year, but it was last week, so we get our special day free from treatments, but not so free from the side effects that come because of it.
We are happy to be celebrating 30 years together, especially the together part. Surely there are some difficult roads that lie ahead of us, but our loving Heavenly Father will help us travel them so that we can reach our eternal destination. There may be stones that cause us to stumble or streams that cause discomfort as we cross them, there may be lakes and rivers that stand in our way, but the Lord will help us build bridges, making it possible for us to reach the other side as long as we remain diligent - "more diligent and concerned at home as we are more faithful in learning, living, and loving the restored gospel of Jesus Christ" as Elder Bednar encouraged us all in General Conference last fall. As we do we will certainly find joy and satisfaction, and many eternal rewards that we can not even imagine.
We will keep the faith!
It is expedient that we should be diligent that thereby we might win the prize. (D&C 10:4 and Mosiah 4:27)
All victory and glory is brought unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith. (D&C103:36)
2 comments:
What a beautiful post and what a great example you are. Thanks for giving us all something to strive for in our own lives. Happy Anniversary!
I just found your blog, and it's been fun reading!
This comment will really "age" me but I remember playing at Kristi Ann's house. My first memory of your family is that Terry came to visit Dennis. Kristi Ann commented that he was getting married soon. I just remember thinking he must be marrying a pretty girl because he looked nice and cute (like any 4 year old knows!)
I don't know why I remember that, but I do. Congratulations, even at 4 I knew you both had to be special".
Praying that your cancer fight is successful!
Much Love,
Alison (Phillips)
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