Hollianne and I are celebrating 21 years of marriage today. 

Things were much simpler back in that summer of 1995. We had a one bedroom apartment, a used green Ford Mustang and a 19 inch television. I was working my first job out of grad school at a private college in Marietta, Ohio. Hollianne was student teaching at Washington Elementary school. We could both walk to work.

I also remember us having lots of free time. While we were both busy at work, the evenings were ours. We would walk downtown for dinner and sit by the river for hours on end. We drove through the Amish countryside on weekends in search of antiques we couldn’t afford. And on weekends that Fall- we made the six hour drive from Marietta to Knoxville to cheer on our beloved Volunteers.

We had time. We spent it with each other. It was an early investment in our marriage.

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.  Genesis 2:24

Life’s much more complicated now. We’d added three active children. Our jobs take us away from each other during the week, and the sports schedules of the kids cause us to split up each weekend.

We wouldn’t have it any other way…our family’s activities make for great memories.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.  Proverbs 18:22

While life events can complicate our marriages, it can also mature these relationships. If we’re lucky, we’ll notice when our relationships need adjustment or renewed focus. 

I love Hollianne even more today than I did way back in 1995. I’ve witnessed her give birth and raise our three children. I’ve watched her take care of parents and relatives during time of distress and need. I’ve seen her care for friends when crisis rocked their lives. 

And I’ve experienced her incredible grace over and over again. 

She’s my partner. My soulmate. My example. And my friend. 

Pray for me to be the husband that Hollianne needs. She deserves it. 

And let me know how to pray for you. 

God bless you. 
(Reprinted from August 5, 2016)