Found and Favored

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

Thirteen years ago, my wife and I cruised into Glacier Bay, Alaska as part of a seven-day trip "gifted" to us by my gracious mother. Every morning, at every meal, and several times during each day as we viewed God's wonderful creation, we felt very blessed and thankful for the experience. Not just the experience of the trip, but also the experience of a 35-year union.

In a month or so, we plan to leave on another cruise to celebrate 48 years as husband and wife. We might have waited another two years (the 50th) to enjoy such an extravagance, but Cindy has Alzheimer's and, well, it seemed that now was a good idea.

As for my part in our marriage, I felt, and still feel, God's favor. It seems that I was "born a ramblin' man" and God, in His infinite sovereign wisdom guided me to the one woman on earth who was a helper-suitable for such a life. From Mississippi to Texas to Georgia to Mississippi (again) to New York to Indiana to Pennsylvania to Côte d'Ivoire to Burkina Faso and then back to Pennsylvania, then Georgia (again), then California, back to Pennsylvania, then New Jersey, and finally (finally?) Pennsylvania, Cindy has always been by my side, partnering in life and ministry.

Indeed, I found a good thing and have obtained His favor.

Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they cannot be separated, often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who comes between them. - Sydney Smith