25 years ago today, I asked a pretty, young lady out for a date. Who would have imagined that 25 years later I would be her husband of 21+ years and have three children with her? As the expression goes, "you never know what a day will bring"!
One year after that movie, Kristen gave me a keychain from Things Remembered (the date – July 21, 1985 – engraved on one side and “I Love You” on the other) to commemorate the event. I still have that keychain. The writing is completely gone from years of wear, riding around in my pants pocket, but I need the writing to be there for me to remember that first date. When I think back on that evening, it is more clear than most of the events in my life.
What is sad though is that all too often I don’t bother to think back. I go about my day failing to acknowledge what a precious treasure I have in my life – I simply take for granted that Kristen will always be there. I have become painfully aware of the myriad of times that I have assumed that life just goes on, that things will continue to be ‘business-as-usual’. And with few exceptions (‘close calls’ for me or loved ones) I move through life hardly aware of the blessings that God has given me.
Today I celebrate a 25-year milestone in my relationship with my darling wife, and I look forward to many more years together. Milestones are important because they give us opportunity to measure: measure growth; measure how we are performing; measure how far we’ve come and often measure how far we have to go.
We should always remember and celebrate the ‘milestones’ of our lives! Certainly we enjoy celebrating those happy events, but even ones that are tied to difficulties or sorrow. Those are also times when we can see God at work in our lives! But let’s not wait for a major event to thank God for the blessings that he pours out on us every day! Don’t miss out on the wonders in your life because you’re busy hurrying to the next milestone!
I thank God for all the relationships that he has graced me with over the years. And I would encourage you to take a moment today to recognize the treasures in your life and acknowledge where they came from. Then spend a little time in prayer, thanking God for his mercy and grace!
Psalm 136:1-4
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
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