Today, January 26, is my 41st wedding anniversary. I use the term "my" because my husband is no longer able to celebrate with me. But, just like in all the years since his passing, I have placed flowers on the altar of our church where we were married, and my sons and I will go out to dinner tonight. Since they remain the closest physical connection I have to Steve, it's only fitting that we honor this day together.
I don't recall any reference in the Bible about wedding anniversaries or their celebrations, but I do know that weddings were celebrated as glorious occasions. Today, the ritual is often accompanied by dinner and dancing which is very much how weddings were reportedly celebrated. Remember Cana, the site of Jesus' first miracle to turn water into wine.
So I celebrate this day as somewhat bittersweet. While there is still an incredible void left from the most tragic loss in my life, the memories that we created together will never perish. So, although the time with my soul mate was cut short, I will continue to honor this day as something special and revel in seeing other great marriages continue.
Perhaps it is vicariously that I still believe in true love as a gift from God. I was most certainly blessed and I fervently pray that that all who are similarly blessed will understand with gratitude what they have been given.
