Frank's parents 40th Wedding Anniv
Yesterday, family and friends reunited to celebrate both ocassions at the beautiful Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor just outside of Washington, DC. My two sibling and I, made reservations for Dad & Mom to stay two nights at the luxurious hotel and we took a water taxi to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia and ate at the renown Chart House for delicious steak and seafood. From there we returned back by boat and watched the gorgeous fireworks shoot over the National Mall in the distance and came back to the hotel for a slice of the world famous Smith Island ten layer cake.
What makes my parents wedding anniversary so special is that very few couples reach that milestone anymore. In a world where couples are tempted to cut corners, think of self, compromise for temporal pleasures and bombarded with images, movies and negative messages from “friends” to do what satisfies “you” it is rare to see folks marry for better or worse and actually for good. As an ordained minister, I have officiated over 130 weddings in the past ten years and I have learned a very disturbing trend. Those that spend the most on their wedding usually have the shortest marriages. Countless times, I have noticed folks spend tens of thousands of dollars on their wedding but not a dime on their marriage.
Looking back, my Dad gave my mother a simple, small diamond ring on July 5, 1969. No bling but from a loving heart. The irony is their commitment has stood the test of time. Other friends have spent $30,000 for a ring, $7,000 on a dress and a feast that would give a State Dinner at The White House a run for our tax dollars money and yet nearly all of those “events” ended in divorce court. The fact that my parents honored God, each other and are together today has given my siblings and I great comfort to chase our dreams because of the security of their love for each other and us. We have great confidence in life due to the consistency of my parents relationship, love for us and God’s eternal care for all.
Today, I would like to thank God for giving me parents who stood together, played by the rules, stuck it out when it was easier to throw in a towel and they have my utmost respect, appreciation and love. Marriage is a sacred institutition ordained of God, regulated by His Commandments and blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ. Without question, I am a better person because of my parents and their union and when I think of “success” I don’t think of corporations, clout or cash but two folks from humble beginnings who realized that love is not just for a day but with God’s great grace can and still be for a life time.
Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad. Happy Birthday Mom and God blessed us good with great parents like you. Wishing you many more in the days to come. Blessings on you today and all your tomorrow’s.
Thanks so much for honoring your Dad and me on our anniversary! A successful marriage has three partners: God, husband, and wife. The Lord is the real reason that our marriage survived against all the odds, and for His blessings upon our lives, I am most grateful. Thank you for all the joy you have brought to our lives! Love you always, Mom