This week, my husband and I are celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary. It seems like just yesterday we were graduating from college, getting our first jobs, and getting engaged. I thought I knew what love was 22 years ago back when I was getting married – after all, I was standing up before family, friends and God to commit to a person until death do us part – but now I see what love is. It’s everyday. Loving someone takes place every single day. Everyday love.
Mother Teresa, who is someone who has never been married but devoted her life to loving God and those she helped, understands love and what she wrote really spoke to me about love and marriage.
“Don’t think that love, to be true, has to be extraordinary. What is necessary is to continue to love. How does a lamp run, if it is not by the continuous feeding of little drops of oil? When there is no oil, there is no light and the bridegroom will say: “I do not know you.” Dear friends, what are our drops of oil in our lamps? They are the small things from everyday life: the joy, the generosity, the little good things, the humility and the patience. A simple thought for someone else. Our way to be silent, to listen, to forgive, to speak and to act. Those are the real drops of oil that make our lamps burn vividly our whole lives. Don’t look for Jesus far away, He is not there. He is in you, take care of your lamp and you will see Him.”
– Mother Teresa
And so begins another year of tending my lamp with little drops of oil.
Happy anniversary, Brad, and thank you for being my biggest fan, supporter, and cheerleader!
Go Gingham related links:
The biggest stay the same – the reality show I’m pitching!
Strategic frugality: our life approach to living and Time as a luxury
Last minute love note gift
Technology free Sundays and more family rules that work for our family
What else do I love? Find out here! Oh, and lunchtime dates are lovely, too!
Very sweet! Congratulations!
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Thanks Julie! We’re celebrating all week long!
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Sara,
I love this picture! Brad looks a little (or alot!) surprised. Congratulations to the both of you!
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Thanks Kirsten! I think he’s surprised he graduated in 4 years ;)! I love this picture, too. That’s my MIL’s dress, too. My teenage daughter just said she’d like to wear the dress so now I need to locate it.
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Happy Anniversary! We too have one this week, our 17th. Enjoy!
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Thanks Heidi! It’s clearly a good season to get married…Happy Anniversary to you as well.
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I just saw that you had given a talk at the library recently. I would like to hear from you in person. Are you giving any more presentations? Please include me on your interested persons email list. Thank you. Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
My speaking schedule is listed below and you can always sign up for my e-mail updates. Let me know if you need help doing so. I’d be happy to assist. https://gogingham.com/2012/04/speak-up-please/
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If you were there, then you’d know…I was there for both! I just yesterday put together a stack of photos of you two from that era…so if you’re getting ready to scrap book that time, wait for these…Happy Anniversary, Sara and Brad.
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Thanks Peter! All I need is an excuse to wait on a project 🙂 Yes, I’d love those pictures. Thanks…
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What a lovely post! Congratulations!!!!
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Happy Anniversary! You both look exactly the same!!
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Thanks, Robin! We both still feel like that picture!
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