Life is full of choices. Some choices are big and life altering. Some are small with little to no impact. This year we will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. I’d like to share with you what a caring Pastor told us about love and choice. 

It was a warm summer evening that we were invited to the Pastor’s home. Newly engaged, we went to talk about marriage and our wedding date. Young and in love we were both so excited for the next step in our lives.

We sate outside in lawn chairs with the Pastor sitting across from us. His friendly smile, easy going nature and encouraging words were motivating. He had a soft-spoken voice, full of confidence and knowledge. 

What he shared with us about love and choice is something we have never forgotten. He explained that he viewed love as a choice. He said, you don’t fall in love or fall out of love, but that you choose to love. In times of happiness you fee love surround you. He told us that in putting someone else’s happiness first, you discover happiness in return. He said that in difficult times you have a choice. A choice to work it out, to compromise and forgive. To choose love. 

We were married on a beautiful afternoon in August. Pastor talked about the never-ending circle of our rings, he joked about the evening in lawn chairs discussing the wedding and how we took a year to plan. He said normally when young couples come to him to discuss dates he’d better have an available Saturday soon. This caused a ripple of laughter from our guests. He made our day special, sharing scripture, prayer and song. He inspired us. 

We have shared an incredible journey. We have lived We have experienced extreme happiness. We have struggled and grown stronger. Twenty four years, two states, seven towns, fifteen homes and four children later we still choose love.

To our children, Ryan (Brianna), Sarah, Andrew, and Emily, whom we embarrass with our displays of affection, may you know unconditional love full of happiness, faith and trust. May you realize that by choosing love, forgiveness comes easier. May you always choose love. 

August 1, 2017, is our anniversary. As we do every anniversary we will celebrate all of our choices. We will also be thinking of the gentle, wise and caring Pastor who continues to inspire us.

Pastor Richard Boyd (May You Rest in Peace), thank you. Your words will forever be in our hearts, in the hearts of our children and now, hopefully in the hearts of others.