Holding On

     Thirty-five years ago today was one of the most blessed and cherished days of my life.   From start to finish, I remember each moment with my heart still overflowing with love, gratitude and the vow to never take for granted the gift of this dream come true.   No, this post is not about me personally glancing back in nostalgia.  Rather, it finds me facing forward with both hope and concern.    

     My words are penciled not with criticism.   They reflect only a longing to wake us all to what our hearts so essentially need to cling to for lasting happiness; but our fingertips, too often, let slip away.

     My heart rejoices when it witnesses deeply giving and thriving love between a husband and wife.   My heart is pained when it perceives so many marriages, over the passage of time, letting love diminish to a tally card marking wrongs, not rights.   Forgotten is the newlywed proclamation: “You might not be perfect, but you are perfect for me”.   My heart is shattered when it watches a couple throw away what many treasured and had, unwantedly, snatched away.

     If only we all lived under the wisdom of not holding our loved one to standards we want let go of for ourselves.   Maybe then, our land would abound with couples, everywhere, understanding that on earth our dreams come true in a flawed world of flawed people.   Though holding onto “our wedding dream come true” is gripped with challenge and so easy to let slip away, it is the lasting way to love our spouse till death do us part – and even beyond.

     This reflection comes with a wish.   Let your better half’s imperfections be a window you look through and what is perfect about them a mirror that constantly reflects your ever growing love for each other.    

From me on imperfect earth, to you in perfect heaven – Happy Anniversary, Hubby!!!