So hard to believe that thirty five years ago, we walked down the aisle ready to start our life together. The years have flown by with much happening and changing us over the days together.
The day which started it all, we both wore all white. My gown, soft and flowing, perfect for me. His white tux, now looking back, reminds me of Saturday Night Fever.
And our anniversary. A completely different day than the one in which we embarked on our journey.
We signed up to do an excursion – an off road, X-rail experience – a first for us.
Strapped in our helmets and seats, in a vehicle which looked like a metal frame on wheels, off we went following our guide. We were to ride through the jungle of Cozumel to the Jade Caverns over varied terrain. And varied terrain it was …
We first saw it in the distance – the mud hole. And true to his nature, he slowed down, creating more space between us and the vehicle in front of us. And then he opened it up.
We hit the hole and mud everywhere – up, down, in, over – covering us completely. And I do mean completely. We broke out into a fit of laughter. I asked him what he was thinking although I knew exactly what he was thinking.
Over the rocks and hills and dirt paths we continued. Soon there was another mud hole. We looked at each other and nodded. And so continued our ride, hitting one mud hole after another at full speed.
When we finally arrived at the rest area, we laughed hysterically as never before had either of us seen the other quite as dirty.
And that is when it hit me ….
We started out wearing pure white – clean, pure and unblemished by life. Thirty five years later, here we were, covered in mud. We laughed at the irony of the contrast yet quickly sobering at the truth of it all.
Do we even realize when we are getting muddy? Sure there are those dramatic times, much like we were experiencing, where the mud flies high, splashing everywhere, slapping your skin. But then there are those times, similar to when the dust just lingers until it slowly piles getting a little thicker over time, until it becomes visible. You hardly notice those days at all.
The mud no longer mattered to us after we hit the first hole. In the heat and humidity, at times, the muddy water was actually welcomed. More or less mud splashing on us no longer made a difference. Resignation had taken rule of our senses.
Is that not the way it also is in life? If we are not careful to walk in His ways, maintaining integrity and character, we may not even notice when small particles of “mud” settle into our lives.
Scripture tells us —
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:26, NIV)
We so need His Word to cleanse us. To make us pure. Again.
Yes, it was a day so different from the day in which we started it all together. And yet through all the laughter and mud, we found ourselves so grateful for His grace –
Grace sustained us all the years.
Grace has been at work in our lives.
Grace presents us without stain or wrinkle or blemish.
All His Grace!
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So great to see you posting again! I have missed your writing. I love the contrast between the wedding white and the muddy honeymoon and the way you tied it into being washed clean by his grace.
It was a startling contrast to us. And then to realize how God had timed it all – that we would be doing this on our anniversary! Laura, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me. I love that you visit here so often!
What a fun way to celebrate your day! Congratulations on 35 years. That’s quite an accomplishment. As I was reading, i kept thinking about how you have loved one another, raised a family, and stuck it out over the last 35 years even as the enemy continued to throw mud at you. But you persevered and have set an example for your children and all of us to see. Congratulations again! 🙂
Holly, it was a hoot! And then to sit down later that day to a quiet dinner & discuss it all. Amazing. Our God coordinates our days in such a way to teach us even more about Himself & ourselves. He is so faithful to us – all of our days! Thanks so much, Holly!
loved your adventure … what a way to celebrate the decades together!
Thanks, Linda! It was an adventure but then my husband would have it no other way 🙂 He has been an adventure from the start & I mean that in the most complimentary way to him!
What a fun wife you are. I’m not sure I’d want to do that to celebrate my anniversary, but it would be thrilling to my husband. 🙂 All grace!
I am not sure I am a fun wife or the wife of a fun man 🙂 It probably is the latter. But I am so delighted for the memories we made that day!!
Happy Anniversary! Today my husband and I celebrate 30 years. We too, both wore all white – must have been the thing to do back then! Enjoyed your contrast of the pure white and the dirty. And, the Grace. Always Grace.
Happy Anniversary to you both! I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday. I think white is still the thing as I have been blessed to have both my daughter and daughter-in-law walk the aisle in white as well. Perhaps it is the contrast of the stark white and then the muddy days which come with time that so made me appreciate His grace all the more. So grateful for Him as I know you are too! Blessings!!!
I love the image of you and your hubby laughing through the mud holes. I can only imagine it to be a wonderful metaphor for making it to 35 years of marriage. Thanks for sharing your fun story, and the important truths it revealed to you.
The day spoke more deeply to each of us than we could have ever imagined. We also had a very quiet & romantic dinner out over which to discuss it all. He is a man with many sides!!! Thank you for stopping here!