June 16. That’s tomorrow. It’s actually a red-letter day. June 16,1973 to be exact. 

That is the day two people totally different from each other said, “I do” to a lifetime together. 

• Extrovert vs Introvert
• Athletic vs. Interested but not participatory
• Social glad-hander vs. Reserved fly-on-the-wall
• Arrogant vs. Humble
• Boisterous vs. Quiet
• Tall (6’5″) vs. Short (5’2″)
• Reader vs. Watcher
• Teacher vs. Listener
• Spouts off vs. Weighs words 

What gave it away? The height difference? 🙂 Tomorrow, June 16, Jo and I will celebrate our 53rd anniversary. It hasn’t been an easy 53 years. It’s been full of highs and lows (as most marriages are). We moved a lot. I’ve lost my job a couple of times due to my arrogance and vocal personality. I went from a legalistic cad to a grace-filled pastor (which also involved in changes doctrinally which put me on the outs of my previous strain of thought and group of friends). We had 2 daughters (Tami & Janna) who still light up my life. But nothing and no one compares to the one I chose 53 years ago. I haven’t been the perfect husband (I know…shocker), nor always the most sensitive person to her needs, but as I wrote last Mother’s Day: “I would do it all again.” 

We met in 1970 at a small college in KY. Spent time with and as friends. Our first date in 1971 went terribly awry, but in the Fall of ’71 began showing interest in each other. Got more committed and she dumped me twice that year (I told her 3rd time was no charm). Got engaged in November of ’72 and married in June between our Jr and Sr year in college. I gave up basketball to concentrate on my grades and being a husband. We graduated in ’74 and immediately moved to Akron, OH where I began as an Associate Pastor. In ’76 we moved to a small country church where I became the “green” pastor. Except for a short ill-advised stint in ’81 as a Youth/Associate Pastor, I have preached ever since. We served several short ministries until we moved to Terre Haute (13 years); Sandusky, OH (5 years); and now Spencer (21 years). Through it all, Jo has been my rock. Never wavering in her love or support, she gladly went with me. 

We celebrate our 53rd anniversary tomorrow. But really, I celebrate “her” and “us.” I will be away from this blog for a couple of days. I will respond when possible to any comments, but will not post anything new. Thanks for listening.