This weekend we gathered from all corners of the earth to celebrate two people whose love has given life to us all. My husband’s grandparents celebrated sixty years of marriage surrounded by all of their nearest and dearest, and although we were a large group, we were only a small number compared to the greater whole of the lives that have been touched by these sweet, godly people. As I sat, I listened to story after story that exemplified just how far love can reach and grow and multiply. To give you a bit of background, Grandma and Grandpa were missionaries in Africa for thirty-some years. They have seen more and done more than most. They have also given more than most. Each of their children- four by birth, and two by God’s grace- stood to honor them and speak about what they’ve learned from them. They spoke of their strong marriage, the missions legacy that still follows their name, a life lived in a rich and diverse culture, and the hard work they admired. There were tears and laughter and much celebration throughout a night that left me incredibly grateful to have married into such a wonderful, godly legacy. click to enlarge And after everyone had stood and spoken of all of the things that our grandparents had done, Grandpa stood and gave that glory directly back to the Lord, giving him thanks and praise. As a family, we repeated with him the phrase, “Only one life will soon be passed. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” This, I thought, is the answer to living a full life. A life of service to others and your family will bless us beyond our wildest dreams and in wonderfully unexpected ways, but only when we give that glory back to God, giving thanks in all things, do we solidify a legacy that will reach into the future. Only then does it become a part of the bigger story- the one that God is writing.
I rejoice that this legacy is now my husband’s and my own and my children’s. We claim it for ourselves and we claim it for the kingdom. And we pray that we are worthy to continue to carry it into generations to come. Happy 60th Anniversary, Grandma and Grandpa! We love you with all of our hearts and we are so blessed to be a part of your legacy!
1 Comment
Robert and Virginia Cowley
8/31/2015 11:18:24 am
We remember meeting them at the boat train in Paris, France, when they arrived to begin language study.
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AuthorMy name is Chelsea. Redeemed. Wife. Mommy. Photographer. Light Chaser. I hope you find light here too. Archives
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