Happy anniversary to me

…er, and Jim. However, he’s been out of town since Monday and won’t be home until tomorrow. Twenty-six years ago today over a hundred people gathered in beautiful Nelson, BC, to witness our vows. We were young (some say cradle robbers! :P) but believed that we had the love that would stand the test of time. Would you say–after 26 years–that we’ve proved that?

Yes and no. We have friends who would have been celebrating 25 in November, but just this year things have come apart at the seams. We know others, too, who have reached this milestone and beyond–up to 40+ years–and decided that they didn’t love each other any more. Seeing this happen to our good friends causes us to ask questions. Why are we okay when they’re not? What have we done differently? Does it make a difference? And hey, we ARE okay, aren’t we?

We’ve had ups and downs. Days I looked at him and thought, “What on earth did I get myself in for?” I’m under no illusions he hasn’t thought the same from time to time! Nights I cried because there was no way out but through (over 20 years ago now, thank God, and I don’t say that flippantly).

We’re Christians. We believe in commitment to God and each other. That’s not the answer though, at least not fully. Plenty of Christians divorce. Plenty of non-Christians don’t. So what is the answer?

I don’t know. We’ve made the choice that we will stay together. That *out* isn’t an option. Please understand, there are people who have very good reasons for getting out, but we aren’t one (or two) of them.

I heard on the radio this morning that August 30 is the most common breakup day in North America, closely followed by I-can’t-remember-which day in late December. Today, however, is the day we choose to celebrate togetherness. Or we would, if we were together. Hmm. We’ll go out for dinner on the weekend. I’m okay; I can wait!