65 Years of Marriage

Mr. and Mrs. Walker hollered in from their screen door for us to come in. As we sat in their air conditioned living room and listened, I was very impressed that they had been married for 65 years. They are strong believers in the Bible and attend a local Baptist church. They said, "The Bible means everything." 

I asked them their best advice to a happy marriage, 
Love one another. 
Give and take. 
Make Christ your anchor. 

They shared an experience of one of their children, who lived until he was 20 years old, even though the doctors only gave him until age 12 to live. Their son was blind and unable to walk. Mrs. Debbie said, "Even though our son didn't really know us, we knew him." It was a trying time in their marriage, but they learned a lot. They learned how to love, have trust in The Lord and relied on their church family. Mr. Robert said, "Every night I pray for the good woman and good wife that Debbie is."

I feel so blessed to meet so many couples that have been through a variety of trials and rely on Jesus Christ through them. I have met many people on my mission that struggle with the understanding of marriage and why it's so important for us to have families. But, I know that we need to be united and loving towards whatever family we have. It's part of God's plan. 

One of my favorite apostles, Elder Dallin H. Oaks once said, "Knowledge of God’s plan for His children gives Latter-day Saints a unique perspective on marriage and family. We are correctly known as a family-centered church. Our theology begins with heavenly parents, and our highest aspiration is to attain the fulness of eternal exaltation. We know this is possible only in a family relationship. We know that the marriage of a man and a woman is necessary for the accomplishment of God’s plan. Only this marriage will provide the approved setting for mortal birth and to prepare family members for eternal life. We look on marriage and the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God’s plan and a sacred duty of those given the opportunity to do so. We believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity." 

To learn more about the views of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, click here.