Golden Wedding Ring

It is a Golden Ring.... as Tammy Wynnette and George Jones so eloquently put it,
"Golden Ring With One Tiny Little Stone
Waiting There For Someone To Take It Home
By Itself It's Just A Cold Metallic Thing
Only Love Can Make A Golden Wedding Ring"

Yes, y'all I was raised on these words of wisdom.... Thanks to WIVK, Knoxville. But aren't these words to a 'drown myself in beer country song' so true? Don't you find yourself wanting to say, "Amen, Brother"!!!

What makes us cling to the bond that a small metallic band represents? Is it Love? Is it Faith? Is it the visual reminder? When we are married it is for life. We take our vows "until death do us part". Rev. Jack Hudson did not say, "Until he gets sick, until he makes you mad, until you get tired".... he said, "you will be united to this man until you DIE!". Whew!!!!.... now that is a pill to swallow...  Maybe that is why it took me so long to say "I Do"....being the commitment phobe that I am for 30 years that thought made me run for cover..... Maybe that is why so many of my friends and family thought they would never see me walk down the aisle.... because I take those words to the bank. I know that the road will not be easy. I had a living example in my father that you may be required to endure more than any human should have to tolerate or handle on their own but if you make a commitment you stand behind it. He also tried to teach me not to say anything I do not mean...but I am still working on that one. He always taught me that once you are married the success of your marriage is up to you and the devil is always happy to oblige and disguise himself as family, friend or counselor to "help" you or your marriage. I call these ring guards. Ring guards slip in between you and your honey to "help" just like a ring guard slips closely between you and your ring.

Why is it that it is getting harder and harder for Christians to have successful marriages? If someone doesn't believe in God....what holds their bond together? If someone doesn't wear a visual 'stop sign', how do they stay committed in the face of life? What makes people with children hang in there? Is it for the kids? Financial reasons? What about those who could "easily walk" who stay? Why do we stick it out through cancer and illness? Why do we love our extended families? Why do we go to all of the concerts, games, events with a smile? Why do we get up everyday and try to make the day a good one for someone else??

The common thread is love...love....love......
"Only Love Can Make A Golden Wedding Ring".

My prayer is that God will bless my marriage always with this kind of love.....precious metal transforming unending love.