To Have and to Hold...

My parents celebrated 40 years of marriage this weekend. My Dad decided that they would renew their wedding vows. Anyone who knows my Dad knows that this in itself is a miraculous act of God, since my Dad has never been known to be the romeo of which every woman dreams. That being said, one certain aspect of my Dad's heart is that he truly loves my Mom.

I have been alive for most of these 40 years of marriage and have witnessed "for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, to have and to hold..." These two amazing people, of which I have the privilege to call my parents, have been through the ringer. They raised a special needs child during a time when there was no information on how to handle and deal with this child. My Dad climbed the corporate ladder and

went from being the Senior Vice President of a bank to "early retirement" at the ripe old age of 50. They have experienced several surgeries each, diabetes, breast cancer and children leaving the house. They have walked with friends who are grieving the loss of a child, spouse and the pain of divorce.

Now, my Dad coaches in a soccer league for adults with disabilities (he still calls them kids), they have learned to work together and trust the Lord to provide for their financial needs. Through the breast cancer scare, they learned to forgive, love and hold tight to Jesus and each other.

My little family was blessed to witness true love at it's best as these two beautiful people vowed once again, before God and friends, to love no matter what. God is gracious, merciful and true and the ceremony we viewed this weekend is all attributed to His Glory.

Erin Joyner, Wedding Consultant, College Station/Bryan, TX