No Matter What

No matter what

Fifty-nine years ago today, my mother and father said their "I do's." I remember, growing up, how I used to love to look at my parent's wedding picture. There were 2 brides and 2 grooms since mom and her sister chose a double ceremony (unheard of today). Dad and Uncle Prunes (not sure where that came from) were decked out in their tuxes. On that day, September 10, 1949 these two couples vowed before God and friends to love and honor one another in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, till death.

For my aunt and uncle, they kept that vow right up until Uncle Prunes died of cancer many years ago. For Mom and Dad, 59 years of life have come and gone and many joys and trials have become part of our family story, and they continue to honor their vow (a rarity these days). I can't even begin to recount all that life has brought across their path. Besides, it would only have meaning to us who know them.

I will say this: as they celebrate 59 years together, life has taken a difficult turn over the last number of years as Dad suffers from dementia. Some days are painfully difficult for both of them. As I watch them, I see 2 people committed to one another for life. I see Mom choosing to keep her vow to Dad, NO MATTER WHAT. I see Dad keeping his vow to my mother even when it is more to the memory of his bride than the woman standing before him.

Mom and Dad have taught me much over the years, but one thing I continue to admire is their commitment to one another, to keep that vow they made 59 years ago. When they vowed to love and honor one another in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, they were not saying that is was their preference to stay together, but that it was their commitment. NO MATTER WHAT.

In my opinion, in my generation, more often than not, what we think is commitment or conviction is really nothing more than preference. When things become difficult or painful, we look for a way out. Does this characterize our relationships? Does our word hold any weight because others know we are committed to keep our word, NO MATTER WHAT? Does this characterize our relationship with Jesus? Are we fully committed to Him? NO MATTER WHAT?

2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (NIV)

Give some thought today as to what your convictions are, what are you committed to NO MATTER WHAT, and what truly are just your preferences. -- Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK