31

On July 18, 1981, a young couple blissfully certain of their love and faith made a pledge before God and a crowd of witnesses to be wed until death would separate them.  31 years later, we have learned that love and faith mean so much more when tested by time and trial and trust.  When contemplating marriage, I thought 60 years was an awesome achievement.  A lot of people make it to the golden 50th.  And here we are, already over half way to the diamond.

To commemorate 31 years with deepest affection for my cherished bride, selections from Proverbs 31:
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life...
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family...
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy...
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

[Coincidently, I just noticed that this is my 31st blog posting.]