pdave.me

This past August 25, my parents celebrated their 40th anniversary.  It got me thinking about a marriage blog that would honor them as well as be a great challenge to marriage. Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”  I feel both me and my children have been given a phenomenal inheritance from them.  Even though I’m only 37, these are the 40 Things I learned from my parents 40 years of marriage:

1. A walk with Christ goes beyond Sundays and Wednesdays.
2. White t-shirt, retro shorts, black socks, and dress shoes are an okay outfit to BBQ in.
3. It’s okay to kiss in front of your children.
4. Prayer is a first response.
5. Discipline is founded in love and followed up with love.
6. There’s nothing wrong apologizing to your kids if you’ve wronged them.
7. Chores and responsibilities are a good thing for kids.
8. Encouragement isn’t reserved for moments.  It’s a lifestyle.
9. Don’t wear a watch with an elastic band while spanking your son (3 broken watch bands).
10. Lying cannot be tolerated.
11. Praise the effort of your children and not the result.
12. Let your kids hear you say “I love you”.
13. Let your kids hear you say to your spouse “I love you”.
14. Trust is like fine china; it can be broken and takes effort to put back together.
15. Attending church is a priority.
16. Cheering for Ohio State is not tolerated and will result in me being homeless.
17. Being in the stands to watch my team is a greater priority than being in meetings.
18. It’s okay to apologize to your spouse in front of the kids. (it’s one heck of an example to see)
19. Serving in ministry is not optional.
20. Don’t talk during the Michigan game.
21. There are no favorite children.
22. Promises are always kept.
23. Stop praying for others to change. Pray for God to change you and pray that God would bless others.
24. Naps are encouraged.
25. Do not plan events (births, marriage, etc) during hunting season.
26. Don’t hide behind the front door to scare mom when she comes home from work.
27. There are no subjects that are off-limits to be talked about. The kids can ask anything.
28. Being the only dad in the neighborhood to play with football with the neighborhood kids is iconic.
29. Mom is easier to shop with.
30. Homemade Chop Suey is the best.
31. Diagonal lines are preferred when mowing the lawn.
32. When using the electric lawn mower, don’t run over the cord.
33. Be thankful for everything and to everyone.
34. Our kids are as capable to make mistakes just as other kids are.  In other words, they were not so defensive of us that they were blind to mistakes we made or were capable of.
35. When dad uses the bathroom during a commercial break, don’t drink his entire glass of Coke.
36. Instead of saving up to give us an inheritance, live it out with the kids.
37. Pockets seem to be deeper with grandchildren than it was with us.
38. Trying to steal a piece of turkey while it’s being carved will get your hand stabbed with a fork.
39. Kindness can kill adversity.
40. Only God gets the glory.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Thanks for letting me ramble…