Yesterday our sister Shinta and our brother Pardi celebrated their golden anniversary.  Congratulations!  The fact that they have been together—lovingly together—for 50 years is nothing short of great.  But what makes this union special is also the fact that for the past few years our brother Pardi has been sick.  He is no longer able to talk or to remember much anymore.  Despite his limitations, our sister has always been there for him, treating him with the same love and respect that have bound them together all these years.

Some say that the greatest gift we can give to our children is the brain, or education.  All the knowledge and skill they learn will be their future assets.  I agree.  Some also say that the greatest gift we can give our children is the spirit, or spiritual heritage.  What they see in us as we walk obediently with the Lord will motivate them to lead a godly life.  I also agree.  There is one more thing that we sometimes neglect to mention: the heart or relationship with our spouses.  The stronger, the more harmonious, the more loving our relationship is, the more equipped they will be in building their marriage and family.  And the kinder they will be toward others.

Marriage is not meant to be easy. I am sure our sister Shinta and our brother Pardi will agree with me.  Marriage is meant to be so hard that only those who love each other and are committed to each other can keep it together, and not break it.  Marriage is also meant to be hard because only that which is hard will render the greatest reward.  And the reward of marriage is not only love and satisfaction but also seeing our children grow to be full of love, full of commitment, and full of obedience to God and us, their parents.

Congratulations to our sister Shinta and our brother Pardi.  You’ve set a good example to us; in sickness and health you stay and love.

Pastor Paul