Marriage heroes
My wife and I are responsible for the quality and success of our marriage even if the world assembles against us. I truly believe that even if every other marriage on the planet were to fail, if everyone we know constantly criticized us for remaining committed to one another, and even if the federal government outlawed marriage as we know it, Mrs. Happy and I would still be accountable to God for loving each other the way He intended. Our world, fortunately, isn't quite as hostile as all that, but it is still a generally discouraging place for those of us who value marriage. So we look for encouragement wherever we can find it, and God has blessed us with a huge source of encouragement in our pastor and his wife.
Sad to say, but pastors' families usually fall well short of role model status. Their wives gossip worse than anyone, and their kids cut a wide swath of mayhem throughout their childhood and teenage years. Steve and Shelley Switzer, along with their three wonderful children, are notable exceptions to this rule. Every member of their family loves Jesus and is devoted to ministry. They are a God-centered family, full of love and worthy of emulation, and they are an inspiration to my wife and me.
We celebrated our sixth anniversary last week, while Steve and Shelley celebrated their 18th in December. I asked them each to write a little something about having been married for that long. I will post their thoughts tomorrow and Wednesday.
I thank God for them, for their family, and for the example they provide to all of us.
