Hospital Corners, Tears and Triumph: 35 Years in the Making

Tommy and I just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. I like to look back at the years that took minutes to pass.
Our first years together were not easy. We had a lot of adjusting to do. Tommy had lived on his own for years and I had never lived anywhere but in my parents home.
He preferred hospital corners when making a bed. I. . .well, I didn't know what a hospital corner was!
I cried a lot and didn't even know why.
He was in seminary and I hardly saw him. Hmmm, perhaps that is why I cried,
Those first few years we were broke but we didn't mind eating boxed mac and cheese and playing Yahtzee on date night.
We suffered the loss of 2 babies that broke our hearts.
Our first move came and the birth of our first child shortly afterwards. It was the first time I lived "long distance" from my mom. Some of you remember way back in the old days when you had to count every penny and phone calls weren't free.
Our next move was even farther from my mom. Our first home, purchased in Northern Ky where we welcomed 2 more children.
I was too busy caring for the babies to cry.
Tommy was still gone all the time. The pressures at this church were great.
Our last move came 4 years later. We landed in Greeneville TN where our last baby was born.
When we walked through the door of Towering Oaks the first time we knew we were home.
Home.
Home.
What a wonderful word,
The next 27 years have been full. Full of
laughter
trial
growth
friendship
betrayal
joy
pride
sorrow
confusion
cheering
success
failure
crying
talking
breathing
and a lot of praying.
We are now grandparents and my oh my oh my oh my what fun!
I have some advice for the newly married, barely married, hardly married, and happily married.
Build your home on the Lord Jesus Christ. The parable of the foolish and wise men is a clear picture of the difference in trusting God for all your needs and leaning on your own understanding.
Being married is tough work. Neither Tommy nor I are the same people we were 35 years ago. I can promise you not every day came up roses. But the greatest and best promise is the faithfulness of God.
Had we tried to do this life on our own we would never have made it.
Our son is building a playhouse for his nieces for Christmas. Lilley looks out the window at it and says, "John did it."
I'm looking back at 35 years and I'm saying GOD DID IT! Wow, yes, God did it!
I love you Tommy Gene Pierce. Let's go for 35 more!