Twentieth Wedding Anniversary

In another few weeks Michael and I will celebrate our twentieth wedding anniversary. It seems like just yesterday that we were busily tending to the last minute details of cake tasteings, and out of town guest lodgeings, and everything else that went into the biggest celebration of our lives. It may seem like just yesterday, but in reality a lot has happened and in actuality that day was long ago. The most obvious thing that has happened is that we are both twenty years older. In the human life span, twenty years is a chunk of time. We are both in a different life stage now. We have aches and pains and chronic health issues that drain our collective wallet and our collective energy. And I guess you could say we are wiser...about some things at least.
What hasn't changed is the deep love between us. It has probably mellowed some, like us; it has had its aches and pains, like us; it has stayed quite healthy, unlike us; and there is no question that it is wiser about ALL things.
Michael and I have started talking about renewing our wedding vows. We have some differing views on the topic. How very different we are was something that was pointed out by the priest who married us in his homily twenty years ago. He truly did not believe that the mariage would last. I see him at annual council every year, and the first words out of my mouth are "yes, I'm still married to him." This priest did not count on how strong love is. Love conquers everything. And because our love conquers all our differences, Michael and I will reach a compromise on our reaffirmation of vows (whenever we get around to it)--we will stay within our budget AND it will be spontaneous and fun. The homily will be given by a dear friend of ours who is the Presbyterian equivalent of a priest, now that is something we totally agree on. This celebration is shaping up to be as profound, if a good bit simpler, as the wedding in 1991.
Anniversaries are important, whether its the anniversary of a marriage, or a job, or an importnt national event. It is a chance to reflect backwards and look forwards. God willing, Michael and I will be reflecting backwards and looking forwards for many years to come.