Recently I sat down to have tea with a truly wonderful couple. They are faithful members of the church, generous with their time, welcoming, loving to others and to each other. They were the first people I met when I came to Amberlea and they were a big reason why my family and I felt so at home right away. Today this amazing couple are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary (imagine being married to the same person for 60 years… that’s over three quarters of their lives!)

I have watched Ted and Margaret over the years, and I know that deep faith in God, lifelong commitment, loyalty, and self-denying love are the dominant themes of their marriage. They are an inspiration.

In December, Brian and I will celebrate 32 years of marriage… that’s three quarters of my life; (this means I got married when I was 15, but whatever this is my story ;)) When I look at Ted and Margaret I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:13:

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

This is the love we can experience in our relationship with others, and with God. It is also what we experience from God — a love that never gives up and “never fails”! (1 Corinthians 13:8).Earlier this week my son Tyler proposed to the love of his life, Laura, and she said ‘yes”. They have decided that they will pledge themselves to one another before God, their family and friends. They will vow to love one another, no matter what! They will vow to weather the tough storms together and together rejoice in the sun.

It is my prayer for them, for Brian and me, for Ted and Margaret and all those in relationships, that we may remember that God loved us first, God never gives up and never fails.

God taught us not only what love looks like but what it means to truly love someone.

May we express that same unfailing love to those who love us.