Friday, Aug. 22, Carol and I will celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary. That also happens to be my birthday anniversary although I normally don't think about that. But why does our wedding anniversary matter to me? Simply this: Carol is the most important person in my life (on the human level) and has made my life worthwhile.
One of my favorite anniversary songs was written by Eldridge/Stewart and published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, and I have it on a Roy Rogers CD. I have modified several words to fit Carol's and my relationship, and this is what I sing to her.
I've watched some gold in your hair turn silver
But the sparkle in your eyes stay bright each day
The grip of your hands are a little weaker
But my love for you gets stronger every day.
The paper we signed has turned yellow
Its crumbling edges tend to tell its age
Its meaning we will cherish forever
But in the book of our lives, it's just a page
So darlin', Happy Anniversary
You make my life for me
And I thank you for the memories
My darlin', Happy Anniversary
Although many folk make a big deal about anniversaries, others don't understand their value and ignore them. But why are anniversaries important?
God gave the Israelites in the Old Testament the idea for memorials and anniversaries, and I agree with the concept. The following are two classic examples.
1. Exodus chapter 12 talks about the Egyptian's 10th plague and the Israelite's release from Egypt. The Lord instituted a memorial known as The Passover for two purposes: looking back -- to help the Israelites remember how God saved them from slavery to the Egyptians; and looking forward -- to when Jesus would offer us salvation from slavery to sin.
2. Joshua chapter 4 tells about the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. God told them to take rocks from the river and use them to build a memorial. Joshua 4:6-7 says, "They will be a sign among you. In the future your children will ask you, 'What do these rocks mean?' Tell them the water stopped flowing in the Jordan when the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord crossed the river. These rocks will always remind the Israelites of this."
Throughout the Old Testament God instructed the people to set up stones or memorials to remember what He (God) did for them, and humanity has set up memorials for centuries to remember events -- both good and bad. It is good to remember our past for we are encouraged by the good times, and we learn from our mistakes so we can make better plans for the future. It is also important to share our memories, memorials, and anniversaries with our children so they can learn from them.
LaChelle Williams, a certified life-strengths coach, entrepreneur, team developer and mother of five boys said, "It is important to pause and rewind the journey to acknowledge just how far we have come. The people that have touched our lives, the experiences that have shaped our thoughts, all support the next steps in this journey we call life. Take time to recognize, celebrate and feel joy about the milestones you have been a part of; make time to understand just how far you have truly come."
When we celebrate someone's birthday anniversary, we are celebrating the person's life. When we celebrate a victory -- personal or national -- we celebrate life. When Germany won the soccer championship, they celebrated life. And my favorite: when we celebrate our wedding anniversary, we celebrate life: the life we share with each other. Genesis 2:24 says, "This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." So in celebrating our wedding, I am showing deep gratitude to God for the love He shares with me through His gift named "Carol." I call her "Precious."
But surpassing everything else in importance is celebrating Jesus' resurrection. Why? Because John 10:10 says that Jesus came to give us abundant life. Again, a celebration of life.
In celebrating someone's birthday or wedding, we are honoring that person. We are showing admiration, respect, and appreciation for him or her. We are sharing God's love with them.
So honor your loved ones and friends, and celebrate anniversaries. Happy 48th Anniversary, Precious.
-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Sports on 08/20/2014