Ryan's Ramblings

44 Years

Here is an email message that I sent to my parents this morning...

Dear Mom and Dad,

Happy Anniversary!  Wow, 44 years is a long time...  :)  Your marriage commitment to one another is commendable.  Anniversaries seem to be an event that are only remembered and celebrated by the couple, whereas birthdays and other seemingly less significant events are remembered and celebrated by groups of people in our lives.  I think this is upside down thinking.

Every year of committed marriage that the two of you live, remember, honor and celebrate serve to resonate the faithfulness of God and Kingdom living throughout the lives of your friends, family, coworkers, children, grandchildren and future generations.  A wedding anniversary is a most significant event, and to remember and celebrate your 44th wedding anniversary is truly a blessing to me for which there are no words to express.

Thank you for your lives of commitment to one another.  I pray you have a wonderful day.

Love,
Ryan

My Part...

"O Thou who indwellest in our poor and shabby human life, lifting it now and then above the dominance of animal passion and greed, allowing it to shine with the borrowed lights of love and joy and peace, and making it a mirror of the beauties of a world unseen, grant that my part in the world's life today may not be to obscure the splendor of Thy presence but rather to make it more plainly visible to the eyes of my fellow men."  --John Baillie

The above quote is from A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie.  This is a book of morning and evening prayers that I have recently incorporated into my devotional life.  I am loving it.  I want to do my part--so I share it with you.

Remember to check your calendar...