Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not boastful or arrogant. Love keeps no records of wrongs. Love never ends. — I Corinthians 13
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In my last post (Sunday, July 26), I announced a three-month sabbatical and said, “See you in November.” But something notable happened this month that merits an early return.
Paula and I passed a golden milestone: our 50th wedding anniversary.
We were married on October 17, 1976, at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Edgell Franklin Pyles officiated. I was 29. Paula was 21.
WHAT?!
I know, I know, who thought that would work out?! I mean, my twin granddaughters are 18 years old. They just got their DRIVER’S LICENSE! Nobody in their right mind is thinking MARRIAGE LICENSE in three years!
But then 2026 isn’t 1976.
Back then adolescence ended at 19 years of age and adulthood began. Kids moved out and got jobs.
Many married. And many, alas, were soon divorced. After all, marriage is a crucible of change. It requires blood, sweat, and tears. It’s a graduate school of love without graduations. The learning and testing never end.
We took our honeymoon in New England. The autumn leaves were spectacularly beautiful. But, I must say, my bride was more beautiful. Way more. And remains so in the autumn of her life.
You can call me Randy, but you may also call me lucky.
We celebrated our 50th with an exquisite three-course prix fixe dinner at the famed (and expensive!) Lot 12 Public House in Berkley Springs. We considered it a reward for 50 years of—let’s be honest—perseverance.
By the way, “perseverance” doesn’t mean toil, torture, and agony. It means persistence—persistence and patience through doubts and difficulties. If you’ve been married more than two weeks, you know what I mean.
In my day as a pastor, I counseled many couples facing difficulties. At some point in many marriages, it seems one or the other thinks: Damn! I married the wrong person. If only…
Yeah, right. As if that would solve “you.”
Romance and hormones will launch a marriage. They will not sustain it. Friendship and forgiveness will. Humor and humility help too. You must learn to give the other the same benefit of the doubt that you want for yourself. Without that, a marriage has less chance of success.
Yes, blood, sweat, and tears are required. But if you’re with the one you love, you can work it out. It’s hard, but grace abounds—time and time again.
Paula and I clinked our wine glasses.
