Ridgell's Originals

Today my Mom and Dad have been married 65 years.  It is bittersweet.  My Dad won't really know it.  His  body is still with her, but his mind left a year or so ago.  And today I marvel at their life together.  I mostly think about how much they have honored Jesus.

You have to love God to make it 65 years.  That's tough.  Raising kids, economic pressure, the grind of everyday life.  But what a testament to faithfulness.

They passed on their faith.  Kids and grandkids that believe.  Getting to see great grandkids taught to follow Jesus.  I cannot even begin to know all the lives they have impacted for the Kingdom.

They taught me to share Jesus.  They have been talking to people about Jesus as long as I can remember.

They taught me to love God's Word.  It has been read, studied, and taught in that house.

They pray.  For the church, their kids, lost people, their grandkids, their friends, their great-grandkids.

They were servants.  I lost count a long time ago of people who mentioned things my folks did to help them.

And they are still together.  My Mom is going to take care or him -- or die trying.

When he is agitated, she can lay beside him, or hold his hand, and it calms him down.  Because they have 65 years of history laying beside each other and holding hands.

So I am still learning from my folks.  They are still showing me how to be faithful.

And I am eternally grateful for their example.

Thank you God.