Together in Christ

The day you are reading this is 45 years since Jane and I were married. And I am grateful for a scripture that offers us an opportunity to celebrate our day with you.

St. Paul prays that as we come to know Christ more fully, God will guide us with “a spirit of wisdom and revelation.” Marriage gives a beautiful image of that. Over the years, Jane and I have learned more about each other than we knew at first. We have had revelations, some of them unwelcome. We’ve also gained wisdom, especially as I look back, in response to many of those unwelcome discoveries. Our personality styles are very different, even opposite. Although it’s true that opposites attract, opposites also cause friction. We talk things over, but don’t always resolve conflicts.

St. Paul’s wisdom helps us in our differences and unresolved conflicts. Thanking God for his brothers and sisters, he gives thanks that Christ, the head of the church, holds us together with spiritual glue more powerful than any differences or opposition forces that divide us.

Loving God, we give you thanks for each other, even when togetherness creates friction. Help us to grow from each other's gifts, even in our diversity. Amen. — TG