It didn’t make world headlines, but 35 years ago today I married a woman who changed my life forever. Oh, I’d been “in-love” a few times before, only to have those all-important giddy-gooey feelings fade away. But then, nearly a decade later, now a commitment-shy bachelor, I met a woman who wasn’t just pretty or smart, she was, as corny as it sounds, deep.
Yes, she was pretty. Seriously pretty. But as I got to know her I felt something more than the giddy-gooeys, something that surprised me: admiration. She made me want to be a better man. She didn’t just share my love for God, she amplified it. And somehow I amplified hers. But we were wary, both of us, and commitment shy. There were just too many expectations in “having a relationship.”
So we broke up.
Some months later, we ran into each other at a concert. Minus the complications of wondering whether he or she was “the one,” we simply talked. And it was wonderful. Soon we were talking constantly, calling to recap our day, getting each other’s insights and advice. Without the former expectations, we’d acquired something better than “a relationship,” we’d become best friends. We’d abandoned the locked and security-alarmed front door of love, and stumbled in through the unguarded back door.
The giddy-gooeys no longer mattered. I simply wanted to be with her, to keep going, to share life with her. And miraculously, she felt the same. So for 
the first time, as best friends, we kissed.
And it was the best kiss ever.
35 years on, all I want is more: More of her. More of us. More of God.
More of life together.
Congratulations! What a beautiful testament to the covenant of marriage. It is a joy to hear of long-lasting commitment when so many don’t know of it or have never seen it role modeled. A milestone worthy of a celebration.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Manette.
LikeLike
Congratulations! Beautiful couple. 💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations, Mitch.
God blessed me with the same kind of wife and we’ve been joyously growing together in Christ since we were married during America’s bicentennial.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So you hit 45 years in 2021? Awesome, Rob.
LikeLike
what comes after 45
LikeLike
Congratulations sir! Happy anniversary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Chris.
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary to you both. ❤ What lovely words and pictures, Mitch. So many blessings. x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aw, thanks, Jane.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations to a lovely couple! Happy Anniversary.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Tonette.
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary! I thank God for preserving you both
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, that’s a very sweet thing to say, Chioma.
LikeLike
I’ll be that kiss even beat — by miles — the kiss in “The Princess Bride.” Congratulations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
;>) Thanks, Paula!
LikeLike
Happy anniversary to you both. Our almost 43 years together are attributable to Christ’s guidance in our lives. Our marriage would have been in shambles without Him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, God is the glue that holds marriages–and everything else–together. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary! What a lovely tribute to your wife and to marriage!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ann!
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary. Wishing you both a lifetime of bliss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Precious.
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kathy!
LikeLike
What a delight to read about your “happily-ever-after” marriage. Congratulations on achieving 35 years of togetherness–and still looking forward to more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks, seasoned marriage pro!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful tribute to your wife! Happy anniversary. Wishing the both of you a beautiful rest of your lives together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cherie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of my favorite posts! I love seeing husbands honor their wives and vice versa. It speaks a lot about your faith. Thank you for being so kind to share with us 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Kathryn. And good to meet you, btw.
LikeLike
Congratulations! Beautiful testimony of love done well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Beth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful love story. I feel the love of God even more through the witness of you both. Happy Anniversary and may HE keep you safe and sound together many more year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy anniversary. You both meet to each other in seven birth. Pic is amazing, you both are looking gorgeous. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dolly.
LikeLike
I just saw this post and it made me cry happy tears. Happy belated anniversary!!! I have been with my beloved husband for over 28 years. Yesterday, at the advice of an attorney, he resigned from his job of 22 years. Something he posted online was taken out of context and termination was inevitable, so he resigned before he could be fired. As scary as that seemed, once it was done, we both felt the most amazing sense of relief. This morning as he polished his resume and applied for several positions in our area, we talked about how this may be the thing God uses to move him into something even better. Yesterday my beloved was angry, but God really moved in his heart last night. We aren’t sure what’s ahead, but we both know the Lord has it (and us) in the palm of His hand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you, Laura. And, yes, I’m sure He does. Praying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Mitch. It means the world when believers support each other in prayer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
agree 47-53 %
LikeLike
Congratulations! Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than smart 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
“She made me want to be a better man.” ~ these are the ones who bring so much love and value into life. Congratulations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Good message
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ananta.
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Meonn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow so beautiful I want this for me too. Let me keep praying. Happy anniversary May you reach 50 years too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anita.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Belated happy Anniversary 🎉❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary! “We’d abandoned the locked and security-alarmed front door of love, and stumbled in through the unguarded back door.” Love it! Original writing…Many more happy years to you both. We’ve made 67 so far…Cheers! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
67 years of marriage–that’s wonderful, Joy! Here’s to 67 more. I’m looking forward to exploring your blog site.
LikeLike
Thank you, Mitch. Methuselah comes to mind…(I’m mentally 50!) Cheers,
LikeLiked by 1 person
;>) You too, Joy.
LikeLike
That’s a sweet story, Mitch! Glad you found love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nancy. Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: My 10 Biggest Hits of 2020 | Mitch Teemley