Monday, June 11, 2007

The Tale of an Arranged Marriage


Once upon a time there was a young lady who dwelt in a humble house in a humble little town in a nearby land. It came to pass that this young lady, who was an ardent baseball fan, became friends with a married couple who lived in a house which was on her selfsame block.

So it was that a few years before, in a faraway territory of the country, this married couple had met a nice young man who was on tour with a minor league baseball team. It later happened that at the time of our tale, the man of the married couple became employed by a local soft drink company. Lo and behold, he was amazed and delighted to find the same young man working there whom he had met some time before as a baseball player in that faraway territory.

The married couple thought that it would be a good idea if this young neighbor lady, who loved baseball, could meet this young co-worker man, who once played baseball. So they asked the young lady, who said “okay.” Then they asked the young man, who said “okay.” A phone number was given to the young man, whereupon a phone call was made to the young lady, and forthwith a first date took place—to where else? A baseball game.

Time passed, and by and by, on the 12th day of June, in the year 1971, the young lady from the small town was taken as a bride by the young man who worked for the soft drink company. It was shortly thereafter that this young married couple officially began journeying together with the very One who had arranged and orchestrated all of the details of their lives in order that the aforementioned marriage might take place. This same kind Benefactor has kindly provided them with two daughters, a son-in-law, and a precious granddaughter. He also has bountifully supplied them with love, peace, and harmony.

The picture above is of the newly married couple as they were cutting their wedding cake. Thirty-six years have passed since the hot, humid day in June of that year; the couple is no longer considered young; they have continued to abide in humble dwelling places; and baseball is no longer an important factor in their lives. They are still together by the mercies of the same One who arranged the whole union in the first place. Even though they continue to be recipients of abundant blessings from His hand, it will not be until both of them reach their real home in a far better land, claiming their mansions there while living in the presence of their King, that this couple will live happily ever after.

From me, the once young lady, to my dear hubby, the once young man:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

15 comments:

Beverly said...

This was so sweet!!! Happy Anniversary one day early!

Lori said...

What a sweet story - Happy Anniversary!

Susan said...

Oh that was so well written. You had me sitting on the edge of my chair. Good job!!!
Happy Anniversary
Susan

TO BECOME said...

Wonderful, touching, true story. May God continue blessing that "young couple" with all the blessings he can give to any one. connie from Texas

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! May you have many more years with the Goodness of God on your lives.

Beka said...

What a wonderful story. I love the way you wrote that. (And I enjoyed the picture, too!) Happy anniversary. Your marriage of 36 years is quite a testimony, especially in this day and age.
May our kind Benefactor continue to generously supply you with the love, peace, and harmony you have been so blessed with!

Susie said...

Happy Anniversary! You sound like you have had a truly blessed life...
:)

Anonymous said...

Sooooo sweet! Happy Anniversary! (Yesterday was my grandparents' 58th anniversary -- it is such a joy and an encouragement to hear of successful, happy, long-lasting marriages!)

Neva said...

Hi Maxine,
I came by via Lisa's blog. I love your love story. God is so good. I am grateful everyday for my own "arranged marriage".

Peace
Neva

Mommysmart said...

What a beautiful story! Congratulations to you and may God bless you for many more years.
--Monica

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

Happy Anniversary!

This was such a fun story to read - I love that young couple like they lived next door to me!

Many blessings to you both!

Deborah said...

that was beautiful, Happy Anniversary. love aways me

Anonymous said...

Awwwww...this really was very sweet!!! Happy Anniversary! Sorry I'm late. :-(
Hugs and Kisses,
Sara

Mishel said...

What a beautiful story! Congratulations on 36 years and Happy Anniversary!

chrisd said...

Congratulations! Hope you have many, many more. I celebrated 15 yrs-that makes us newleyweds, right?

Hugs-

Barbara said...

Happy Anniversary! I had missed that post. Keep it up; you'll soon catch up with me. :) I loved your story!