ANNIVERSARIES
The memories just keep coming! John’s birthday was Sunday, October 2. Fifty-three years ago, we got married as soon as we could after he turned 21, on Monday, October 10, we would have celebrated 53 years together.
We had some bumpy seasons. John wasn’t an alcoholic during our first years together. But when it came apparent that he wasn’t willing to stop drinking almost 21 years later, we separated for over thirteen months.
On Valentines Day, 1991, John asked me to meet him for lunch. During the year of separation, I had seen him make so many changes. His sense of humor returned and he was kind and attentive again. As I walked into that restaurant, I was a little disappointed. Although I thought it was lousy timing, I assumed he was going to ask for a divorce!
Instead John told me about his sobriety. He made his amends to me for the years we had struggled with his alcoholism. I immediately forgave him, and I remember saying, “are you asking me to take you back?” He sheepishly said that he wasn’t supposed to expect anything, but if I wanted to open up that conversation, we could talk about it!
Several months later, we renewed our wedding vows and only invited our kids. John and I cried during the entire ceremony. Nine months later, we introduced our baby to Saddleback Church, Celebrate Recovery. It started in November, 1991. Of course, we thought it was just for Saddleback and our family, but God had other plans.
Aren’t we glad for a God of second chances? John and I were forever grateful for our second chance with our marriage.
Offering amends and forgiveness doesn’t always have a happy ending. The pain may have gone on too long and the pain too deep to continue a relationship. However, by offering forgiveness and making amends, we still receive a gift. We become free because we forgave the way Christ forgives us.
Would you share with us the area where God gave you a second chance?
Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”