This past Sunday at church we celebrated a couple’s 50th wedding anniversary. Before I had been married myself, I had no real appreciation for occasions that celebrated longevity and perseverance in relationships. Now I believe they should receive a medal or at least some kind of award. Come to think of it, they already have, they have received the award of each other’s constant love, priceless memories made, and affection and adoration for each other over the years they have shared.

Marriage is no easy thing but looking into the eyes of that gentle eyed older man and seeing his pride and joy in being half of a whole, I saw the reward in their love for each other.   The effort was worth the prize they received in the adoration they share. They would tell others I’m sure that marriage is like tending a garden. You tend it, feed it, water it, cover it in cold times (protect it), prune it, and watch it grow. Years come and go, each a little different. Some with fair conditions and some with foul conditions. Still, you tend the garden. Flowers will bloom, fruits will grow. The more care the gardener gives, the better the garden will fare. That is what marriage is like, it’s like that garden. Hopefully, yours is a well-tended one. If it’s not, it is never too late to roll up your sleeves and get to work on yours. No matter the ill repair or its current state, it can be mended with a little TLC or with a lot of love. 

Remember, a garden will die or go wild and become unrepairable if it’s left to its own devices. So, tend to yours. That’s what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t let the garden of your marriage die. It’s a true tragedy when it does. Too many have and many more will, but that is not the way it should be. The only garden you need to be concerned about is your own, don’t bother looking at others and wanting what’s in theirs, thank God for the blessing that yours is. Keep watching and take care. Live in the abundance of the beautiful garden that is your own. That’s what that couple was doing that day, they were celebrating the beautiful garden of their marriage and life. Years of work and effort rewarded, celebrated. What a beautiful picture of enduring love and care!

“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Eccl. 4:9-10

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6