On July 4, 1978, Brenda L. Turner and C. Craig Burns made a verbal
vow to one another to be married. We
vowed to remain married in various scenarios, “until death do us part.” We had no idea what adventures were ahead of
us, but we knew we wanted to do them together.
Three children and five grandchildren later, the
unconditional love of God has been tested often. Many times we have fallen short, and just as
many times, have been restored by verbal apologies.
The picture is from a non-romantic anniversary week, in
which our two-person team personally demolished a singlewide trailer to make
room for a home. Piece by piece, we
demolished that trailer, and today a nice modest home stands.
We have had plenty of romantic and not so romantic moments.
We have experienced poverty, sickness, heart break, loss of
parents, lawsuits, betrayal, abuse, as well as prosperity, health, joy, family relationships,
favor, loyal friendships, camaraderie and countless blessings.
The above picture is from the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society
Ball. I was facing chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis, and Brenda kept
smiling through every season. I had a back covered with a Shingles induced
rash, and only together in Christ did that particular season come to a
conclusion.
We have both worked many jobs to provide for our family. We have worked to finance one another’s
college education and provide for our family through many seasons of life.
We both are following the Lord in ministry and navigating
the transitional nature of church life in a changing culture.
We are both about 30 lbs. heavier than we were on our
wedding day. We both have surgical
scars, moles, bunions, and other blemishes.
Loving one another in all experiences and seasons of life is
so much more than romantic love, but with the romantic love those experiences
and seasons are more enjoyable.
With Valentine’s Day coming, it is great to reminisce and
remind myself the nature of true love. For my married readers, be encouraged to
remain faithful within a committed relationship through all the seasons of
life. For all of us, love for each other
includes highs and lows, good times and hard times. Let us always strive to follow Jesus’ second
commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Beautiful.......
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