Sweethearts

Happy Valentine's Day! This day has a special meaning to Rick and me, as it was 40 years ago today that we enjoyed our first date. After meeting at a Halloween party a few months prior, I had seen Rick at several youth group activities, but neither of us were old enough to date. At that time, 16 years old was the magic age of dating. Finally he got up the nerve to ask me out on a real date and it was Valentine's Day, 1969. We went to get something to eat and then bowling.
When we talked about it yesterday, gulp, 40 years, we both laughed and at the same time said, "I am way too young to be this old!" That is one of many advantages to having a long-term relationships, you know what the other is thinking and can talk simultaneously. Of course, there are many other beneifts, too, like history. We have a history together that is shared by no one else.
Having rasied three children, we have lots of historical moments: Each of their births, their delightful toddler years, the vacations we took as a family, school years, sports, their success moments, holidays and lots more. But we have other moments that only the two of us shared: Get-away weekends, sneak away times to be alone, times behind closed doors when we could talk in private.
I remember when Billy, our oldest was getting married and we met Jill's parents for the first time. One of the things her mother, Carol, asked us was if we ever had a fight. She said Billy told them he could never remember us fighting... Maybe those were the "behind closed door moments." We have had our disagreements, but to be honest, we learned very early in our marrage that there isn't a whole lot that is really worth fighting about. Most issues resolve themselves without anyone getting angry.
Some things in the last 40 years have changed. Although we still have some of the same friends, remarkably, some we don't see on a regular basis. We have lots of new friends that have become important to our lives and whose friendship we value immeasureably. We still attend church regularly and that is probably one of the secrets to our long relationship: Christ has always been in our lives. Now that our kids are grown and married, we have grandchildren on whom we dote our affection. We still love going on family vactations and spending holidays, weekend dinners and mid-week gatherings together. We actually enjoy each other's company. But our bodies tell the story that we are ageing gracefully. Rick falls asleep in his chair more often and I sleep less in the middle of the night.
And now that we are "empty nesters" we have more quiet time together. I still untie Rick's boots when he gets home and fix him a cold drink when he looks parched. He still remembers to kiss me goodmorning, goodnight, hello and goodbye when he comes in or out. And we never forget to tell each other those most important words daily: I love you.
One thing we can always say is that through the ups and downs of life, God is good. He directs our paths, keeps us on the straight and narrow and blesses us beyond measure. All in all, Life is Good. I hope you enjoy this day for sweethearts and enjoy the company of the ones you love.
Happy Valentines Day!