- Photo by Heather Ahrens
Thirty-three years ago Sheila and I walked together into a new covenant with a new view of the world. Small things can trigger a big change. The big change in our lives didn't mean something big triggered it. There's not a direct correlation.
Our big change was the result of ten-thousand little steps.
We started dating when I was sixteen. We shared hundreds of life-shaping events: church services, mission trips, youth group retreats and prayer. We attended the same Middle School and High School, going to the same games, classes and school plays. We saw each other when times were good and we helped each other endure trials, loss and difficulty.
Ten-thousand words, conversations, questions and memorable moments unpacked the details of underlying dreams, hopes and aspirations. Constant shifting and adjusting allowed new ideas to explode into view. Small quirks became great strength as we decided - together - to maintain the ideals and values we believe in. The direction and purpose we shared offered tremendous hope for our journey.
We keep taking steps together - now able to stare at the footsteps that brought us here and confident the purposes of God will require radical new thinking and faith-filled commitment. As we take our next steps together I'm grateful for the collision of spirit and history this picture represents. Our future may seem initiated by some obvious external events, but more often I suspect some seemingly minor happenstance will bring explosive changes.
Facing the next season of our life together will require radical commitment - and new thinking - as the journey is filled with change. We are determined to prepare for it. Much of what lies ahead is unpredictable; there is an inherent instability that affects how we must prepare today for life tomorrow. The unpredictable clashing of forces, added to the constant shifting and adjusting of our culture and world, means we can't freeze a moment-in-time to fix it forever. No person can crystallize the complexity of our world.
So we will hold the scriptures, each other and the Hand of Christ as we take our next steps together. Only God knows what lies ahead. We will trust His lead, walk His way and follow in His steps.
No man could ask for a greater wife, partner, friend and traveling companion. I am honored to walk the rest of my life with the wife of my youth and I resolve to do just that.
Job 23:11-12 - My foot has always walked in his steps; his way I have kept and have not turned aside. From the commands of his lips I have not departed; the words of his mouth I have treasured in my heart.
Remarkably you two still look like the class president/captain of the football team and the homecoming queen who graced the halls of Greenfield Central High School. God did an extra measure of awesome when he put you together. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Posted by: Becky Hunter | June 05, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
Thank you for the example you set and for showing us everyday what God intended a marriage to look like.
Here's to another 33 years!
Posted by: Amber Cox | June 05, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Congrats, Mark and Sheila - Happy anniversary!
Posted by: Daniel Goepfrich | June 05, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Very cool 33 years, We are not far behind you and you two make for an excellent example to many.
Bless your next 33 years..
Posted by: Ron W | June 05, 2009 at 01:44 PM
A beautifully worded post Mark.
Congrats over-and-over to you and Sheila. Can't wait to see you both as grandparents. Praying over you and the rest of the family.
I love all you guys.
Posted by: J Aquila | June 05, 2009 at 01:47 PM
I know you and Sheila see the baby as a blessing, but as the years go by I dare say it will be that child whom will view the two of you as a blessing. 33 years!!!! Way to go Sheila:)
Posted by: brianburris | June 05, 2009 at 02:09 PM
You two don't look much different than you did all those years ago in Farmland. You both certainly blessed our family while you were here. Congratulations on 33 years and may God bless you with many many more happy years together. I love you both, Joanjn
Posted by: joann bennett | June 05, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Congratulations! You are a good team. You have raised great children and for you good job, you will be getting some awesome Grandchildren. You are going to love your next chapter together. The Michael Family loves ya all.
Posted by: Chrissy Michael | June 05, 2009 at 11:59 PM