35 years

That's how long we have been married.  Today is our anniversary.  Here we are at the AFLAC Christmas Party in 1977 - - married a year and a quarter.

 

I think I was a size 3 at that point in life.  Fast forward - - and it has flown by fast - - to last year.

Did you recognize us as the same people?  Maybe if I took off my glasses and he put on a suit, would we look similar?

I knew I struck pure gold when Bill and I met.  And the years have only proven it more and more.  Today we didn't travel out of town but stayed close to home because we just wanted to relax and not be on the road.  The furthest we journeyed was down Memory Lane while dining at Aubrey's.

When discussing the highlights and challenging parts of all the years, I told Bill if I had it to do over again, I would have treated him nicer more often.  Rather than 'fussing' at him over 'stuff', I would have tried to be sweeter in conversation.

However, some things I think have strengthened our marriage and kept us really happy together are:

1.   Focusing and being thankful for the positive things about your spouse.  Bill's good points are numerous! 

We all have faults but why dwell on them?  It just gives you the wrong mindset.  Have an attitude of gratitude.

2.  Treat each other with respect - - especially in public.  Don't do or say anything that would be derogatory or embarrassing to your spouse.

3.  Enjoy each day and every minute you have with each other.  Time flies by way too fast.  I really wished we had realized that sooner, too.

Any other suggestions you might want to add?  Thanks for recognizing our milestone with us.

And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband.  Ephesians 5:33