Sweetheart,
When we said “I do,” closed the deal with a kiss, and rode off into our future, I had no idea of the “ride” we would have. One may call it foolish, or presumptuous, or idealistic, but no one could call it boring. The ride together in life has been an adventure.
Like a roller coaster, sometimes up and sometimes down, but always in motion. There has been the slow clank to the top with its anticipation, the fast spiral with its thrill, and always a “hang on” kind of experience. There is more coming!
That deal, closed with a kiss, placed us on an educational journey with a destination of two doctorates (actually your first was a PHT – ‘put hubby through’). Yet, no book learning has taught me what I have learned from you. You have been my true graduate school and what you have conferred, can’t be granted by a diploma.
That same deal closed with a kiss, bore the fruit of two children, both attractive, bright, honest, and loving, who have now blessed us with more of the same in our grandchildren.
That same deal, closed with a kiss, out us on a path in ministry that has crossed the states and circled the globe. So much of God’s created beauty we have either seen, smelled, climbed, crawled, or driven. We have seen the mountain tops, the valleys, the hills, the rivers, the streams, the deserts, the beaches, the glacier ice, the deep underwater, and the high blue sky. We have weathered the freezing cold, managed the humid heat, and enjoyed the cool between. Most importantly, we looked into the eyes of every race and creed and saw the longing in their eyes for a transcendent love and offered that in the person of Jesus Christ.
That same deal, closed with a kiss, has provided the highest ecstasies of life and some of the deepest sorrows, and most powerful losses. In both the highs and lows, we were there together, hand in hand, sometimes sharing mingled tears of joy and sometimes hot tears of sadness. At times our direction seemed clear and certain. At times the path seemed obscure and uncertain. Nonetheless, somehow, we remained on the same path helping each other along the way.
I have loved you, but have failed you in ways that leave regret. Yet, I find comfort in the words you have spoken on more than one occasion – “We do the best we can with who we are at a given time.” I wish I had been more much earlier in our ride together. I wish I were more now as we yet travel together. But whatever there was, whatever there is, your love claimed it and your love has made the most of it.
I cannot imagine a traveling companion that would have, could have offered more for the ride. The strength, the grace, the beauty, the encouragement, the hope to ultimately arrive at our destiny could not have been equaled. You have defined the standard. Your love has been a pearl, your strength my haven, your never-ending hope my rainbow. The light on my face has often been only a reflection of your smile. Your beauty has grown ever more beautiful as I have grown more capable of seeing what was always there. Funny, isn’t it, how that works!
We still travel together. Life holds no more uncertainty now than it ever did. But perhaps now, a bit weather worn and wiser, we understand more clearly that in the uncertainty of life, we find our greatest opportunity and our deepest values.
It has been quite a ride “partner.” Hang on, the best is just ahead around the bend. I’m so glad we “closed the deal” and sealed it with a kiss.
I love you,
GARY
11/10/09 (Dothan, Alabama)
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3 comments:
Thank you for posting this sweet letter. We are praying each day for your family. We love you guystr!
Pastor Gary,
Im so sad to here about Freda. But not after reading this........
Thankyou for all you do, all you've done and all you are.
Laura (ledlow) Pleasant
Freda was a very special lady and I wrote this poem for her many years ago. It still rings true today. I miss you Freda and I am sorry I couldn't see your celebration of life service. I was critically ill in the hospital and they wouldn't let me leave. But I know you understand. You always did. You are missed in a great way.
The Wife of Our Pastor
The wife of a man called by the Lord,
To feed tattered sheep and preach the Word.
A noble task this has to be
As she helps the Shepherd tend those wayward sheep.
She jumps right in with pure delight.
She gives her all with many sleepless nights.
She encourages the Pastor to do his best.
She tends to others needs when she should rest.
She’s singing in the choir. She’s teaching class.
She’s working fulltime. She never seems to run out of gas.
She’s roaming the halls of the church, you see.
Finding out what she can do for you and for me.
She’s making phone calls. She’s visiting the sick in their beds.
She’s visiting prospects. She’s waking the spiritually dead.
She stands out from the crowd because she’s called, you see.
She’s devoted to Jesus. She’s down on her knees.
She’s praying for her husband who has a huge cross to bear.
She’s praying for people who don’t even care.
She gives of her time so generously.
She’s the example for many, at Jesus’ feet.
She’s living for Jesus before our very eyes.
She stands strong and tall, trying hard not to cry.
Her heart yearns for the souls that need to know God’s love.
She’s hoping for answered prayers, soon from above.
There’s a heavy burden that she’s been called to carry.
As she seeks the lost, with the Shepherd, hoping Jesus will tarry.
Lisa S. Satcher 08-07-99
Gainesville Fl
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