Seventy Years

From the Slavonian farmlands. . . to sunny Zagreb. . . to the bustling hub of Munich. . . to fireworks on the Fourth over NYC. . . to a ghost-town in Buffalo, I had journeyed 24 hours. In Croatia, my wife made last-minute arrangements for our four kids to be taken care of while she worked full-time and I traveled for a week. 

Flying over Germany

The primary purpose of all of this was so I could be with my grandparents for their 70th anniversary celebration. 

Robert and Delphine Bohall July 5, 2015

Seventy years! 

Perfection? Perhaps as close as it gets on this earth. Seventy years of marriage represents a combination of God’s grace and human commitment; gifts of life, health and patience intertwined with hard work. It symbolizes the sort of unity many of us strive for. 

Seventy years speaks to the past. It shows that a decision made at a time of innocence and naivety can be honored long after both have worn off. Actions breathe life to words spoken before their significance was realized.  

Seventy years speaks to the present. It says follow me. It provides a path to walk and a hand to hold. When I asked my Grandma for advice she said "Keep it going". Later in the week I heard the words "Keep the faith." Our 10 years of marriage are surrounded by clouds of witnesses celebrating 40, 50, 60 and 70.

Seventy years speaks to the future. It proclaims that the definition of the relationship is given by the Provider and is proven by the fruit of faithfulness. An anniversary is a gift to following generations to be received with grateful hands prepared to be calloused. 

No, it's not perfect. 70 years of marriage, I'm sure, has scars to show. Yet, is there any other thing on this fallen earth that points more clearly to the perfect love promised in the Old Testament and confirmed in the New? Is there any more important Christian testimony to the deep, deep love of Jesus?

The week before I traveled, before I even thought of making the trip, I began putting together the slideshow below. It's as I was working on it that these thoughts began taking shape. 

On Friday, as my wife watched the finished product she asked if I'd like to go to be with them...in 24 hours. Long story short, I decided on a price limit, she looked for tickets which matched my limit, we talked, prayed, thought, then bought them. In less than 12 hours I was on my way. My wife initiated the decision, putting her concerns to the side. She, and others who have sacrificed their time and energy were the reason I could be here.

Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma for your commitment to one another. It was a privilege to celebrate 70 years with you.

Thank you, Dad and Mom, for helping make our last minute plans so smooth. I'm glad I was able to spend some quality time with you.

Thank you, Petra for your sacrifice. I am honored to be your husband. Volim te do neba visoko.