It doesn't get any better, until it does

“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

This weekend I have the honor of participating in a wedding ceremony. My wife and I have been married for 66 years. Yep, that sounds like a lot, but 33 for her, 33 for me. All kidding aside it takes two people deciding to stay to hit 33 years, so each of us has chosen to stay. The ceremony this weekend will let us witness the first moment of a marriage. It’s pretty cool.

We’ve known the bride since she was born. We’ve known the groom since the wide eyed smile on her face showed up when she started telling us about him. I imagine that look will be on her face Saturday. As much as I would like to think I will not be in tears while speaking, I doubt my inner strength in that area. This weekend will mean a lot to people I love.

My wife and I were talking recently. We have learned to be content with being content. What I mean by that is that there are a lot of things we could struggle with. There are a lot of things we do struggle with. But we are good.

We have one grandchild and another one on the way. Maybe more on the way after that, who knows? We have gone from dating to being married. Best thing for either of us. Then married and no children to married with one. It doesn’t get better. Then two. It got better. Then three. It got better. Yes, one had to leave. At that point I think a lot of the best days of our life were hidden. From that vantage point I could not see “we are good” as a possibility. But it got better. Then a son in law walks in and introduces himself. It gets better. Then their wedding day, best day ever. Then Harlee. It got better. Then another one is on the way. How much better can it get? I can’t wait to see it unfold right before my eyes.

Young bride and groom, the day you met is the best day of your life so far. Saturday will be even better. Then more happens that will become the best day you have ever had. Then maybe you will have a child of your own and that will be the best day. Then the child will get a brother or a sister and that will be the best day of your life. Then life will keep happening. Some things will be hard. Some will make you question your resolve. But you will look your spouse in the eye and realize that you are still looking at the best thing to ever happen to you. Somewhere down the road you will have an anniversary and you will marvel at all of the best days that have strung together, because you promised.

You will have the opportunity to stop counting up those days. You can subtract from them any time you want. Sometimes your spouse will subtract them for you. Some days and some things are just hard. Some marriages do not make it. Some marriages still exist without being able to count up. I am not sure which is worse.

I think Satan knows some things he cannot make you give up. I think when we see big challenges coming we put up big defenses. I think the challenge from your enemy will not necessarily be big, but you will be faced with small challenges that you may not think of as a battle. Then you will see time pass like it is ordinary, not the gift that it is. If you cover a masterpiece with enough daily dust it starts to look ordinary. It is anything but ordinary. To be truly art worthy, the bad days help you see the contrast of the beautiful days that could not get any better.

Young bride and groom, what do you dream about doing together?

Older bride and groom, do you need to blow away the dust to see the masterpiece again?

Challenge: For our marriage I only mentioned six days out of over 12,000, yet the joy staggeringly outweighs the ordinary. Love every day. It gets even better.

Rick Claiborn