In the Cards
"Ha! Take that! I trump you again!" he said as the trash talk at the table became fast and furious. Card after card was thrown as they foursome played out their hand. They were on a hot streak. Friends gathered around them to watch as they played their no tricks barred game. Cheating was encouraged--as long as you didn't get caught. They change partners frequently and everyone knew the other's tricks and slights of hand, which made successful cheating difficult to say the least.
At last they called a brief break. They scattered to get fresh drinks, snacks, etc. and gathered for the next round. One was a bit later than the others. When she arrived, her chair was filled; her cards dealt; and it was her turn to bid. Looking at her cards; looking at her chair and its occupant; looking at her mates, she bid, sat in the new guy's lap and destroyed her opponents. As the game concluded she turned and introduced herself to her chair mate. Thus began their relationship.
Weeks later they were talking--heatedly. He didn't like her dating other guys. She reminded him they weren't exclusive. "What do you want? Marriage?" "YES!" He proposed. And that was that--they were exclusive, however after only six weeks of dating, they decided not to announce their news--for a while.
A year and a half later, she walked down the aisle--meeting him in front of the church, their family, and friends. They committed themselves to one another--to be together forever and began a new life.
Years flew by as they moved from place to place. New jobs and challenges greeted them along the way. Disasters, adversities, challenges, and circumstances battered them along the way. At times it seemed life would drive them apart, yet they stood the test of time.
As their anniversary approached they reflected on their life together. It amazed them how quickly the time had passed. It seemed their marriage was "in the cards" in ways more than figuratively. Thirty-five years had passed since they had vowed their lives to one another. Their one sustaining grace was God.
Foundational God, it is you that enables us to work through the good times and the bad. You guide us through hardship and plenty. Forgive us when we think we can travel through life on our own. Help us to recognize that rather than life being "in the cards," you guide our steps. So be it. Amen.
Happy 35th Wedding Anniversary my love--you will always be the cowboy who stole my heart and opened my life to new adventure.
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