The Princess and the Cheapskate (click to comment)

I heard on the radio that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This was a bit of a disappointment to me. Ladies, I thought we men were your best friends. In a recent study of women’s passions guys finished third. The winner? Chocolate.

Ramona and I have been married 30 years and I’m still learning new things about her. She admitted recently that she cleans the house faster when she’s mad at me. All this time I thought she was just super-efficient. When she’s really mad she cleans the dog dish. I asked, “How does that help, honey?” She said, “I use your toothbrush.”

Just kidding. Ours is a miracle marriage. We’re so different. I’m punctual. She’s late.  She’s generous. I’m cheap. I’m bald. My wife has all of her hair. This is not fair. Someone stopped her in the grocery store and said, “is it your dad who writes those books?” Guess what she said? “Yep.” I may be bald, cheap, and cranky when she’s late, but still she loves me.

The Bible describes marriage as two becoming one. Ideally it’s a partnership of two distinctly different individuals who are stronger together than apart. This happens when we swallow our pride, encourage each other’s strengths, and live the life transforming truths of Scripture. In the book of Mark chapter 10 verses 6-9 we’re reminded that God made us male and female. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Ramona and I are celebrating 3 decades of marriage not because it’s been easy, or because of my dashing personality or good looks, but because God was there, joining us together, helping us persevere through tough times. Something miraculous always happens when God gets involved. For us it’s meant that we are more in love today than 30 years ago. “What God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Oh, by the way, if diamonds are a girl’s best friend, what’s man’s best friend? That’s right. Dog. If ever you doubt this, try a little experiment. Lock your wife and your dog in the bathroom for 15 minutes. When you open the door, see who’s glad to see you.

Do you have secrets to your marriage that others should know? Keep silent no more. What about times when God intervened and kept your marriage together? I’d love to read your stories below!