(Jesus said, referring to an Old Testament passage) "'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh?' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." Matthew 19:5-6

Not so long ago Frank and Anita shared their recipe for a successful marriage.

They agreed that matrimony was always a matter of "give and take." It was also a matter of making up after an argument with a "kiss and a cuddle."

If that sounds a little hokey, please allow me to introduce this pretty average-looking couple to you. Frank and Anita first met at a YMCA dance in Plymouth, Devon, Great Britain. They liked each other. Eventually, they found they liked each other a lot.

Two years later they were married.

That marriage took place 81 years ago.

Frank and Anita spent their entire married life in the same town; they had children and they managed to survive the WWII bomb that fell on their home.

Recently, after more than eight decades Frank went home to the Lord. Anita was holding her husband's hand when he died.

Both had reached the age of 101. By God's grace they had managed to get it right.

Now I'm not exactly sure why I share the story of Frank and Anita.

Certainly, most of us aren't going to reach the age of 101; even fewer will manage to be married 81 years. Maybe I pass on their story because I believe that when God joins a couple together He can also make it so they stick together.

As I say, Frank and Anita were an average husband and wife. The day when they made their vows, they weren't wondering if they could set a record together. That record came about because -- every day -- this ordinary couple was blessed in some extraordinary ways by God.

The same Savior who gave His life upon the cross so the world might be forgiven and saved, the same Savior who rose from the grave and defeated death has the power to help us -- single or married -- with the living of each day.

And He also has the power to comfort Anita with a reunion in heaven -- a reunion which death can never destroy.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for the cloud of witnesses around us, we give thanks. For Your being with us and transforming ordinary people and making them into extraordinary examples, I praise You. Now may I listen to Your directions and follow where You lead. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 3-4    2 Corinthians 12

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