Twenty Octobers ago I said, “I do.”
Like a wind-chased leaf, memories of that overcast autumn day in 1992 skip farther away. Hearts, of course, remember, but images are now puzzle-shaped shadows—timid fragments of scenes and feelings. A puzzle that’s grown to include many more pieces than when we began.
Despite the bustling wedding story taking place that morning, a peaceful calm guarded the air. Trickling water whispered in the fountain, butterflies danced among flowers, sweet autumn air lingered—as if all of nature were guests at our wedding.
Yesteryear and her reflections…she knows how to make herself at home in the corners of a mind.
Oh, those kids in those memories; that twenty-something bride and groom, too naive to know time would be so relentless. Young enough to think only “old” people were married twenty years. Hmmm.
Well, we certainly aren’t old, but we are older. And usually wiser. I would have thought, by this time, we’d be in a quieter, slower-paced season. Not so. These boys and their schedules keep us busier than ever. But blessed. So blessed.
“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” God’s had this verse on my heart for several months now, and when I consider it in the context of marriage…it rings altogether true.
Like any marriage, there’ve been times we’ve labored in vain trying to build this house without the authority to do so. Mercifully, there’ve also been times when we’ve deferred to God and He has blessed.
We have a fun little first-date tradition – our annual Labor Day “Date-a-versary.” This year was our 25th year of miniature golf on Labor Day. Twenty-five?
So impatient are the hands of time—swiftly spinning along, ever so slyly trapping today into yesterday.
Back in 1988, we never knew our random choice to play Putt-Putt would become a treasured family tradition. God being a God of traditions, I like to think He smiles at this charming little custom of ours.
Twenty-five years of date-a-versaries. Twenty years of marriage. Three children who hung the moon. Lots of laughs and tears, joys and heartaches—all while living under an inexplicable favor of God, blessed beyond measure.
There’ve been lean times and there’ve been times of plenty—and in both, He’s been the Source that’s sustained us.
I don’t recall what the future looked like in the mind’s eye of that young bride, but I’m certain she had no idea how fleeting 20 years would be.
May the Builder of this house continue to be so generous, and so faithful—and may we never forget—all the glory belongs to Him.
Twenty Octobers later—I still do. 
(Originally written in 2012 for my 20th anniversary. Sharing October 2015 in celebration of 23 years of wedded grace.)
~ Linking up this week with Words with Winter ,Good Morning Mondays, Intentional Tuesdays , #RaRaLinkup , Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory , Coffee for Your Heart , Women With Intention Wednesdays , Thought Provoking Thursday , Dance with Jesus , Faith Filled Friday and Faith and Friends Friday ~
This is such a beautiful, heart-felt post. Congrats and many blessings today and for more than another 20 Octobers!! We had a date-aversary too! Four years ago we met on the Walkway Over the Hudson and each year we go back, recreate, eat at the same restaurant and remember. Yes, loving traditions are sweet to savor, aren’t they? ENJOY your special day. #MeCoffeeJesusMonday
Sheila Kimball recently posted…The adventure of an impromptu car date…or when a couple chooses to count blessings in stressful circumstances
Awe, a fellow date-a-versary-er. 🙂 Thanks for the well wishes…it’s been 23 Octobers now, and God’s still blessing. 🙂 Thanks for stopping in and sharing, Sheila. ((blessings))
Beautifully written! Happy anniversary!!
Thanks, Miranda, and thanks for stopping by and reading. 🙂 ((blessings))
This is OH so sweet! Thanks so much for sharing- leaves a lot for us young marrieds to look forward to 🙂
Kelsie recently posted…Five on Friday: What Rejection Taught Me
Watch our Kelsie, 23 years sneaks up on you fast. 🙂 Seems like yesterday I was one of those young marrieds. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and sharing, Kelsie. ((blessings))
Congratulations on 23 years of wedded grace (love how you worded that, Brenda)! “So impatient are the hands of time—swiftly spinning along, ever so slyly trapping today into yesterday.” The years add up at an unexpected pace … turning yesterdays into memories. It sounds as if you’re making some beautiful ones. Thank you, Brenda, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
Crystal Storms recently posted…Intentional Tuesday Linkup {Week 40}
Thank you, my friend. <3 ((Hug))
Wow, I love these words — “May the Builder of this house continue to be so generous, and so faithful—and may we never forget—all the glory belongs to Him.” And you’re right …time is so fleeting and thinking about 20 Octobers puts it in perspective. Happy Anniversary. 🙂
Lisa Appelo @TrueandFaithful.net recently posted…The Good Fruit in Brokenness
Thank you, Lisa. 🙂 ((hug))
Brenda … and may there be many more milestones of love to celebrate together …
Blessings!
Linda Stoll recently posted…morning invitations * encourage
Thank you for the sweet sentiments, Linda. Many more, indeed. 🙂 ((hug))
Sweet post, happy anniversary! This jumped out at me, ” there’ve been times we’ve labored in vain trying to build this house without the authority to do so.” Such truth!! Marriage and depending on God to lead us through it is so much better when we are striving to control everything. Letting God lead is such a beautiful thing.
Ana (@ANAWINSblog) recently posted…Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Scones Recipe!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your sweet encouragement, Ana. 🙂 ((Hug))
Happy Anniversary! So true, that unless Jesus is the foundation of our marriage, we build in vain! Enjoyed your story of celebrating your first date…may you have many more celebrations to come!
Blessings,
Bev
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God recently posted…A Song Of Praise To The Rock Of My Salvation
Thank you, Bev. 🙂 ((Hug))
This is a beautiful testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness in your marriage. Happy anniversary!
Thank you, Rebekah…and thanks for stopping by and sharing this morning. ((blessings))
Happy Anniversary, Brenda. Loved this 🙂
Thank you, sweet friend. ((Hug))
Happy Anniversary! We just celebrated “25 Octobers.” Some years we were faithful to let God build the house, others not so much. But being committed to God and to each other helped us enjoy the highs and weather the lows. blessings to you!
Karen recently posted…Commissioned: Authority
Happy 25th October to you, Karen. 🙂 You got married two years before I did. Hope this year is a great year for y’all. ((blessings))
What a beautiful and heart-felt post, Brenda! Your words warmed my heart and made me smile. Thanks so much for sharing! Happy anniversary, Dear Heart! May GOD bless you with many more! *HUGS* 🙂
You’re so sweet, Tia. Thank you for your sweet sentiments. <3 ((Hug))
You’re most welcome, Love! 🙂
Brenda, What a beautiful and glorifying to God testimony you have shared about your married life. You are leaving such a Christ-centered legacy for your children.
Thank you for sharing your blessings with all of us. 🙂
That’s sweet, Karen–thank you. 🙂
Brenda, this is absolutely beautiful! My husband and I just celebrated 20, so I can relate. I have two children who hung the moon. One just left for college. It’s amazing how fast the years went! I’m mostly grateful, and I can see you have a lot to be grateful for too. 🙂
Betsy de Cruz recently posted…One Simple Way to Look More Like Jesus
Happy 20th to y’all, Betsy. 🙂 Many, many more. ((Hug))
Happy Anniversary! Each one is special in itself & reason to celebrate! Blessings!
Joanne Viola recently posted…Day 31: Do You Love Me?
Thank you, Joanne. ((blessings))
Thank you, Joanne. ((blessings))