"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27
Your wedding anniversary is so important. It is a time to celebrate another year of togetherness. As married couples we should take time to acknowledge and congratulate each other on such an accomplishment as each year passes.
Dana and I have not always made every anniversary extra special but we have always taken the time to acknowledge that day.
I remember our first anniversary we stole away to Guntersville State Park Lodge for a long weekend. Cameron was six months old and it was nice to get away and be able to actually look into each others eyes and have a conversation (soon after that weekend we found out we were pregnant with Corey).
On our third anniversary we took to the open road traveling the Ocoee Trail part of the time, but meandering throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia stopping for a night or two at places that have become some of our favorite spots. We traveled many miles everyday and had some of the best conversations. Being in a car together (with no other devices than a paper map and each other) helped us to open up and talk about all that was on our minds. We really needed that trip at that time in our marriage, being busy with a three and four year old makes it hard to have quality time with each other (our pastor at the time advised us of this and suggested the path we traveled which was wonderful).
On our tenth anniversary we rented a cabin in the mountains and enjoyed a week long stay, just the two of us, which began our love of cabins high up in the mountains for peace and rest.
On our twentieth anniversary we took a cruise. We soaked up every moment and enjoyed ourselves immensely, although the waves of the ocean triggered my stomach for some uneasiness. We got to witness the deepest, bluest sea I'd ever seen.
On our twenty-fifth we took a trip to the beach but not just any ole' beach trip. On the evening of our anniversary we planned a quaint little ceremony of just the two of us. We found the perfect, quiet spot and sat on a blanket in the sand. We had written vows to one another before leaving on this excursion. It was such a special time as we read them to one another, soaking in the memories of all the years with smiles on our lips and tears in our eyes. We ended our special ceremony with new wedding rings. Dana had taken my diamond engagement ring and had it set in an antique setting of a group of diamonds which only made that ring so much more cherished.
We have many stories of anniversary trips that is forever planted in our memories. Some years did not afford us a trip but we made it special in our own way.
Looking back on your own beginnings as a couple, do you see ways God has helped you grow, not only in spite of, but even as a result of, difficult times? Reflect on the beginning of your own marriage and consider the fact that God made both of you in his image. This gift of being made in our heavenly Father's image is to be affirmed and celebrated. And your wedding anniversary is an ideal time for doing just that. It doesn't have to be a big vacation it could be a quiet night at home, (Dana and I have had many of those and still do) but however you choose to celebrate make it special.
Adam and Eve were, quite literally, made for each other. And so were we.
"Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man." (Gen. 2:22)
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, Help us to remember and celebrate the covenant You set for us in our marriage. May we always strive to work together as husband and wife and build a bond that cannot be broken. Bless each of our marriages and may they honor You. In Jesus' name. Amen.