A Lasting Marriage

A LASTING MARRIAGE As you look back in time to the day you said, “I do,” You didn’t know back then the things you would go through. But yet you made a vow before the Lord that day, “For better or for worse,” you heard the preacher say. “In sickness and in health,” yet you did not hope for pain, You hoped that all your health and strength would there remain. “For richer or for poorer,” yet who would trade their wealth For just a humble home with an empty cupboard shelf? You liked the part on “love and cherish with my heart,” But you shudder at the phrase, “Until death do us part.” And you are not alone, for many thought like you Of only better days to see, to go, to do, But when they met with trials, they didn’t stick it out, They listened to the voice of uncertainty and doubt. And now, where have they gone? What’s happened to their name? They’ve nothing left to show but a broken home and shame. Their children are so hurt because they have to hear Two stories of events between two folks once dear. It’s never quite the same now that the ties are broke, They might think love’s not real, it’s just a cruel joke. But you can thankful be that through the thick and thin You kept your life light strong through storms and through the wind. You kept your faith in God and in the center of your home, And though you ask yourself, “Why did some children roam?” Be sure at least they know what true love really means, And don’t rule out the fact they’re haunted in their dreams. Some day if you stay true and did all that you could, The efforts will pay off, it will all work for good. So as you stand there now repeating vows of yore, The words you say again are different than before: They might be the same words, but now you know they’re true Because through good and bad you saw each other through. Some day when sorrow’s past and trials are gone away, You’ll look back once again at this very special day, But there you’ll join the ones in the marriage in the blue, Repeating vows to God, and saying, “I love You.” ‘Twill all be worth it then as you see your Savior’s face And thank Him for His love and His amazing grace. Dedicated to any couple repeating vows.