44 Years of Ministry/Love

Yesterday, my wife, Linda, and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary.

We spent the evening reminiscing. This morning I want to share some of my thoughts on the value of marriage in the ministry.

When I was in Bible College I worked in a nearby Catholic hospital - St. Joe's in Omaha. One patient I served during those years was the Monsignour of Boys' Town.

As I worked with him, he encouraged me to become a priest. I was already engaged to Linda, and boldly answered: "No, thank you. I want to get married!"

Looking back on my years in the ministry (I will have been ordained 40 years next fall), I can see the value of a godly wife, and co-worker in the ministry. There are many things that I do not believe I could have accomplished, had I not been married. Here are a few of them:
1. I would have been very lonely. Nothing takes the place of having my best friend (besides God), by my side. I have been a pastor in: western New York, western Michigan, eastern Iowa, northern Illinois, and now western Nebraska. Each place has great memories for Linda and me, because we experienced them together. I can't imagine doing this alone.
2. I would not have had a godly, loving critic. Knowing Linda wants the best for me and our ministry to God has helped me understand why she spoke to me about inappropriate jokes, clothes that didn't match, people that need to be visited, the way I disciplined and discipled our two sons, encouragement to spend more time praying with her, etc. Linda's words have helped me avoid lots of problems.
3. I would not have had someone who filled the gaps in my spiritual gifts. In many ways, Linda and I are opposites. I love to sing; Linda feels she can't stay on key. I enjoy meeting new people; Linda enjoys deep relationships with the people in the church. I love to preach and teach; Linda loves to organize. I see things through a man's eye; Linda sees things from a woman's view point. Most of our counseling we do together. We have found these differences to be very valuable.

I could say more, but I want you to think things through in your own experiences. If you are not married, that is OK, if God has that plan for you. But, I know I would not be what I am or where I am if I did not have Linda by my side.

Thank you, Lord, for bringing such a wonderful person into my life - my best friend, co-worker, and lover - Linda!