The subject of this article isn’t what I thought it was going to be, but I hope you still like it because it cost me $13.98. See, just before I was going to sit down and write my other thoughts, the Spirit reminded me I had better get an anniversary card because our anniversary is tomorrow (August 28).
Now normally a tradition on our anniversary for Vicki and me is to go to the card section in some store and look for the card we would give each other. Then, after we find just the right card that verbalizes the exact sentiment of our hearts, we exchange the cards and then read them right in the aisle of the store. Then after we wipe our tears of joy and happiness away we put the cards back and then we share a little public display of affection.
Of course, the whole point is to save the $13.98 we would’ve spent on the cards so we can buy pizza later. But we decided we weren’t going to do that this year because this anniversary is a special year for us; yep, 39 years of marital bliss.
Anyway, I go over to Lewis to find the perfect card. Now, have you ever noticed how self-centered and lame those anniversary cards are? Just listen to the message of this card. He tries to tell her how much he loves her, but who is the focus of the card?
To the woman I love with all my heart.
Marrying you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
You’re my partner, the love of my life, and my best friend.
Having your love makes such a difference in my life—
just knowing you’re there, supporting and caring for me means everything…
I’m grateful for our life together. I love you so much and I always will.
Happy Anniversary.
Yes the whole message is all about ME! The romantic words on the card are all about everything the wife does for her husband. For some reason I picture this husband as a couch potato who doesn’t haven’t a job. I picture the husband who buys this card for his wife is like a child who uses his wife as his comfort blanket. Of course he loves her! “Just knowing you’re there…” What?!! I can tell he doesn’t want to talk to her or do anything with her, he’s just glad she’s in the same room. He says it “means everything…” although; he didn’t take the time to give some concrete examples. Poor woman, he didn’t love her nearly as much as he loved himself.
And then how about the message of this card. Like, who makes this stuff up?
To the woman who makes my life amazing.
I wouldn’t change a thing about our life together—
Every step, every challenge,
every beautiful moment that has brought us to this day makes us who we are.
I’m proud of us, of all we’ve seen and done, and I couldn’t be more in love with you.
Happy Anniversary
Okay first, isn’t Jesus the one who makes our life amazing? Second, maybe this guy can’t think of anything he would change about his marriage, but I bet his wife could. I could think of lots of things I would change. (Having written that for the whole world to see, I’m pretty sure Vicki is going to want to talk about that while we eat our pizza. Please pray for me. ☺
And no, not every challenge or every beautiful moment has made us who we are. Who we are is only by God’s grace which then erases any chance of becoming proud of who we have become. Apparently the author of this card doesn’t even know that pride comes before the fall. So, let’s give credit where credit is due. The reason I couldn’t be more in love with Vicki is that God has filled our hearts full of love by his Holy Spirit.
Ok, that’s enough fun; hopefully you’ve enjoyed giving some thought to my challenge of finding a meaningful anniversary card. Please pray for Vicki, 39 years is a long time to be married to me. He who finds a wife finds a good thing. Proverbs 18:22. And the wife must respect her husband ☺, Mike Altena