Articles
Two Very Special People
This week, on November 18th, Dad will turn ninety years old. A few days later, on the 22nd, Mom will turn eighty-seven. They have been married for sixty-eight years. And yet, to them, they seem as few.
As I reflect on this milestone in their lives, I am so thankful for them. Their love for the Lord animates their life. Their love for each is their heartbeat. For sixty-six plus years they have labored together in the preaching of the gospel. Dad preaching and teaching; Mom as his constant support and the consummate hostess to all who come into their home.
When I think of them, words like loyal, faithful, genuine, constant, perseverance, wealth in true riches, and humble all come to mind. Words like spiritually minded, God-like, and servant fill my mind, too. Their years together have been, overall, happy years. There have been a few disappointments along the way, but those disappointments were never in each other. Yet in spite of these disappointments, they have never wavered in their love for each other or their love for the Lord.
As the actuary tables encroach, they look forward to the hope of their true home. It seems ever-present, daily, on their minds. While they love their children, grandchildren, and great-grand children, it is their love for each other that motivates them in this life. All else is of little value. The song “This world is not my home” is really true for them.
It is hard to measure their influence, the good they’ve done together in their life of serving the Lord. It’s not unusual for someone to tell me during a gospel meeting that Dad baptized them or did their wedding ceremony. I always think, “What a hoot! Isn’t that something!”
Dad and Mom are the anchors of our lives. I must admit is difficult to see the challenges of age affect them. That is just not how I see them. But I suppose that’s what happens to all who live that long. They both are in reasonably good health–actually, great health for their ages. Dad still preaches regularly and still serves as an elder in the Benchley congregation. They still drive all over the place. They drive 11 hours to Branson, Missouri, every year.
It is hard to say what I take away from their life. It is hard to process. But perhaps it will be this: “Always love the Lord and serve Him.” Mom always signs off when she sends a card, “Serve the Lord.”
What a hoot! Ninety years old and eighty-seven. Mom and Dad, did you ever think you would live that long? You deserve all the celebration.
P.S. Since Kim just turned sixty-five now you have a child on social security, just like you.
