It’s been 49 years today, in the evening, that my bride and I both said, “I do,” and we were! Married!

A landmark? Every day is a landmark. A goal? Still far away in the future. A celebration? Yes. And we do it out own way, often when it’s cool, and the landscape is empty of others.

But this year? We branched out this long weekend. A simple drive. Family met along the way and a hideaway under the Astoria-Megler bridge on the banks of the Columbia River. The bridge was dedicated eight years before we married. Sounded like a good place to hang out.

Someone asked me how we stayed married for such a long time. Marry your friend. Compatibility goes a long way to making it a long way. Don’t Fight. No one ever wins. Keep creating love. That’s your special spice of life.

All around me, I see success, and I don’t take ours for granted. Considering my bride before I consider myself. Sounds theologically sound, right? Yep. The writer of Hebrews (10:24) said something along this line.

We awoke in the middle of the night. She said it first, “Happy Anniversary!” “You’re sweet,” I replied, “Happy Anniversary!”

Think about the other. Stir up good results!

Always look for adventure that satisfies both of you. Sometimes that’s as easy as a walk through the acreage with your German Shepherd pups.

I can’t talk enough about staying Friends. Life will hand you lemons. Keep making lemonade. How? Sometimes it takes a lot of sugar, and other times very little.

To my bride. I love you. To the stars. And back. That’s a long time!

By Michael Gurley

Making Sense of Life, One Thought at a Time!