| Jeremiah 10:23 – “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.” |
In 1989 (36 years ago) Veteran’s Day fell on a Saturday. I know this because it is the day my wife and I got married. We picked November 11, not because it was Veteran’s Day, but because my bride-to-be selected that day and the venue (which was where we went to church) was available. I would tell the older gentlemen I was getting married on November 11, and they would say “Oh, Veteran’s Day!” I had no idea. Just not on my radar as a 34 year old younger man. Had some learning to do. Even though my father was a career soldier. U.S. Army and Oklahoma National Guard for a combined 30 years. 1948 – 1978. My wife’s father was a veteran as well, World War II, Pacific (Okinawa). Nearly died from a piece of shrapnel through his neck and jaw. The weekend we got married, then President George H. W. Bush was in town for a visit. President of the Philippines Corazon Aquino was also in town. And the Rolling Stones were performing Friday night and Saturday night in the Cotton Bowl. It all started when I knocked on her door. She had visited my church because of a snow and ice storm (in that order, snow topped with ice.) It made driving treacherous, so instead of going to her usual church, she came to mine as it was a shorter and safer distance. I was at the early service (8:00 am) because a lady wanted me to meet another young lady (matchmaking) for a possible date. Mary Linda, my future wife, went to the late service 10:30 AM. I did not run across her that day. Tuesday night, when I came to church to make my visits (I was in our ministry to visit first timers), I saw her information card. Very strange that it was my 34th birthday. I knew her from my previous church. We both went there at one time. I liked her, and saw it as my golden opportunity. A God sent birthday present of sorts. I started to go make the visit, but went home instead. It was icy and the roads were not thawed out yet. The following Monday night, February 13, I made the visit. She was not at home when I knocked, but as was my habit, I left a note. She called me the next night to thank me for the visit. We talked for an hour. Valentine’s Day. It never occurred to me. I honestly decided she was not interested in me. Deep down, I was (interested in her). The next day at work, I chatted about the call with a female co-worker. Me: “Paula, I am just too old to take the risk anymore. I don’t like rejection, and I didn’t feel like she was interested.” Paula: “You won’t know for sure unless you ask her.” Paula got me with that one. I did call her back, and I did ask her to go to dinner with me, and she did say “yes”. And here we are, married now for 36 years, and three grown sons to prove it. Now, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren added in, and a daughter-in-law to be added next year. I didn’t know what love meant, at least not like I do now. Having children taught me that I had only scratched the surface on what love was. I found out it was deeper than I had ever imagined it to be. I had no idea what it took to stay married. It was like an iceberg. I could see some of it, but what I couldn’t see was nothing like I imagined. It was so much bigger. Did I marry a good one? Oh, yes. Did I know how good? No, I did not. I had no idea all the wonderful qualities she had. I had to study her. I had to observe. I had to sit silently and watch. I had to apologize too many times. But I have learned. Father in heaven, thank You for hearing my many prayers, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Mark 11:24 says; “Therefore | tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have
received it, and i t will be yours.”
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for your goodness and love, and showing us you are there for us always! Amen
- Jeff Beall
