Forty Years

Pat & husband on wedding day and updated photo

"Wisdom is more precious than rubies, nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 3:15

This year my husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. Forty years is a long time. It represents longevity and a time for growing in wisdom. It is also an amazing milestone! It has been said that 40 years of marriage represents the precious gem known as the ruby. Rubies are considered to be precious because they are rare. Today, forty years of marriage is rare for many couples.

Coincidentally, 40 years represents how long the children of Israel spent wandering in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egyptian slavery. They were lacking in spiritual wisdom. Although God was with them, cared for them and provided for them daily, the Israelites were disobedient, unbelieving and unfaithful. They failed to put their complete trust in God. Sadly, their sin cost them entrance into the Promised Land.

Our 40 years of marriage, the time span of the Israelites wilderness experience, has taught us many things. We've experienced everything from careers, mortgages, raising kids, accomplishments and joy. We've endured trials, hardships and sorrows. However, we've learned that when we put God at the head of our marriage He guides us in the right way. Along the way, we have grown and gained spiritual wisdom. Along with faith in Him, He has taught us the importance of unconditional love, commitment, respect, forgiveness, communication and giving rather than receiving. We've learned many things in forty years. We've learned that our marriage is more precious than rubies to God.