Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

By no stretch of the imagination could Grayce and Clarence Dwyer be considered "spring chickens."

The couple, who hail from Madison, New Jersey, are both 100 years old, and their marriage has celebrated its 71st anniversary.

Now, as is often the case, other people, younger people, want to know, "To what do you contribute your success in life?" Grayce and Clarence have a number of answers. First, they would have to concede their Irish ancestors have blessed them with some pretty healthy genes.

Of course, that explanation only speaks to their longevity -- not the success of their life together.

As I said, the Dwyers have a number of answers. For example, they would say they come from similar backgrounds: both are from immigrant families, and both lost their fathers in the 1917 flu epidemic.

But there's more. They contribute that success to their mothers, who taught them what was important, to things like taking care of each other and your family, surrounding yourself with good people, realizing life isn't always easy, and always having a faith which will help you through the tough times.

Now I suppose you could go to other centenarians who have celebrated 70 years together and get answers different than those provided by the Dwyers.

You might get other answers, but you won't necessarily get better answers.

The Dwyers have found that even though life has ups and downs, good times and bad, their Lord, their Savior will always be there. He whose love includes a Bethlehem stable, the Calvary cross and the empty tomb of Resurrection Sunday has love which can cover the first 100 years of your life and longer, the first 70 years of your marriage and longer.

It did for the Dwyers, and it will for you.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, while it is impossible for us to know if our lives will be long or short, filled with great happiness or grinding difficulty, we can be sure that You who sacrificed Your Son to win our salvation, will always be with us. For this we offer you our unending thanksgiving and praise. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

PS - Although it has little to do with the devotion, thought you might want to know -- Grayce celebrated Valentine's Day by baking a cake to share with Clarence.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 8-10    Mark 6:30-56

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