I know a good many couples who have reached the half century
mark in their marriage, but I know far more who didn’t. Some because of
death and others because of divorce. We feel fortunate and honored to have
reached this mark. I have been surprised at the questions I have received,
especially from young people and young couples. The most prominent
question is: "how did you manage to stay married that long?" They seem
astounded that a husband and his wife should stay together for such a long
period. Regarding our own case, we do not consider it unusual at all, but
from their view it seems almost impossible. This question springs from the
modern view that marriages are "not supposed to be lasting." This idea is
incorrect! Jesus said of marriage, "What therefore God hath joined
together, let not man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6). But, the leading
question needs an answer so, from our viewpoint let me try to answer it
with a "few simple points." In all likelihood they will work for you, too.
We Never Thought About Quitting
We were blessed from the beginning, because we had both been taught that
you marry for "keeps". We never entertained the idea of quitting, only the
idea of permanence. If most couples worked as hard to improve their
marriage as they do to get out of their marriage, there would not be many
failures.
Don’t Mess With Our Marriage
We started out with an understanding that God gave us "marriage" to enjoy
while on this earth. At the same time, we recognized that it was "our
home" and we didn’t want anything or anybody to "mess it up." We had
something that was dear to us, and we refused to allow family, friends or
the world to interfere. We never discussed our private or secret things
with others, only with each other.
Good Friends
Very early in our marriage, we became "good friends." We have remained
good friends to this present time. I have had many other friends along the
way and so has she, but none like each other. Our interest in things,
other than "spiritual" are not always the same, but with an understanding
that we are not identical we extend a reasonable amount of freedom and
understanding in such things, and we remain best friends.
Spiritual Interest
Through the years, we have been blessed with a mutual spiritual interest.
When the rails on a railroad track run parallel with each other there will
be no train wreck. When the rails move too far apart, there will be a
disaster. When a husband and wife are both true Christians, then you may
be sure, at least seventy-five percent of a successful marriage is already
established. --edited by D. T.
"We must learn from the mistakes of others for we do not have time to make
all of them ourselves". Mark Twain