For Once in My Life — Debby Thompson

A Covenant of Commitment

While sitting on the floor in a Hallmark store, an unusual awareness dawned on me: for once in my life, I had the privilege to purchase a 50th Golden Wedding anniversary card. For Once in My Life.

How did Larry and I get from a dreamy wedding ceremony on June 8, 1973, to this 50th Golden Anniversary on June 8, 2023? After 18,250 days, how?!

By the grace of God, the answer rests on one word: Commitment

Commitment built its foundation on the Cornerstone of Christ, our Savior.

Commitment took root in the Word of God, was guarded by the Holy Spirit and fueled with prayer, sometimes gut-wrenching prayer.

Commitment blossomed with date nights, marriage retreats, long walks, shared sports, common hobbies, audiobooks, simple kindnesses, and ongoing conversations over endless cups of rich, dark coffee.

Commitment bloomed in the atmosphere of children, grandchildren, family, and friends as relationships added layers to our lives and laughter filled the rooms of our homes.

Commitment flourished in life-giving habits — keeping short accounts, building, and maintaining trust, extending grace, refusing to go to bed at night with unresolved conflict between us.

Commitment thrived through well-worn sentences of I love you, I am sorry, I was wrong, Will you forgive me?

Commitment pulled us toward one another when pain and heartache threatened to drive us apart.

Commitment found nourishment in Ancient Words like:

“Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

“Love suffers long and is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

“Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2).

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3).

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:5-7).

This Christ-centered, Holy Spirit-driven Covenant of Commitment didn’t take a break, demand a leave of absence, or turn in a resignation. And I believe heaven smiles and celebrates this milestone with us in our epic love story. To God be all the glory!

Easy? No way.

Worth it? A thousand times over and then some more!

How do I know? I bought the card. For Once in My Life.