Saying Grace - Anniversary

This is the blessing we said before the meal at our folks' 60th anniversary gathering:

"Lord God we thank you for this day and for all the blessings you provide.

 Thank you for the good and faithful friends, and family, who are with us here today, for those who are elsewhere, and for those who have passed into your kingdom before us.

 Thank you for all the countless memories of fellowship and love that are represented by each of these individuals, in so many different ways.

 Thank you Lord, for Jerry and Dolores, for their shining example of lives well lived and well loved.

 Most importantly Lord, thank you for the gift of your love, and the gift of eternal life that is freely available to all who choose to believe in the name of your Son Jesus.

 Now, please nourish us with this food so that we can serve you better in the name of Jesus our Lord, Amen."

What do you believe?

60th Anniversary !

Here's the toast I gave at our folks' celebration this weekend, on the occasion of their 60th anniversary:

"I’d like to use three quotes to help us toast and honor these two very honored guests.

They are both deeply spiritual people, so I’ll start with something from the Bible. This is from the apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (2:9), he said,    

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor mind conceived of what God has planned for those who love him.”  No one knows God’s plan. 

 Well, no one could have known God’ plan for these two people 60 years ago; No one could have envisioned the rich, wonderful life that would arrive right here, 60 years after they started together.

 I also know that each of us has lost dear family and friends before their 80^th birthdays, so we can all appreciate that their age alone is a gift. But while God has helped keep both of them safe and alive in our midst, they have also helped to keep their marriage safe and alive. In a world that is sometime careless and dismissive of marriage, my parents have taught me that it is a commitment worth fighting for, even living for – and here they are to prove it.

 The 2^nd quote is from their “Song.” For those of you who don’t know, the title of their signature, couples’ song is “Always.” My favorite version is by Tony Bennett, and it goes like this: 

“I’ll be loving you, always. With a love that’s true, always. When the things you’ve planned, need a helping hand, I will understand, always. Not for just an hour, not for just a day, not for just a year, but always.”

 As they’ve grown old together, we can all see the genuine tenderness between them. They have helped each other, they have been there for each other – and for all of us – not for just an hour, or a day, or even 60 years – but for always.

 This last quote is from a song by Mark Heard. It’s what I think of most when I look at these two high school sweethearts, and realize the essence of what is most important. The quote goes like this…

“Love is not the only thing – but it’s the best thing

Love is never everything – but it’s the best thing.”

 Let’s raise our glasses and toast to two people who have lived well, and have loved well.    

 To Jerry and Dolores !  "