SECOND CHANCES

My son was supposed to be dead, but he's not.

My life was supposed to have ended, but it didn't.

My marriage was supposed to be over but it's not.

My family destroyed and yet amidst the ashes we were carried out. God has joined us together. I have never been more certain of this.

My husband and I recently celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary. I am reminded of what Christ said in response to a question posed by the Pharisees in Mark 10:9.

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

In the past when I've given thought to this verse I typically assume the responsibility lies upon God to keep together what he himself has joined.

As I read it tonight I see it quite differently. In fact, He is giving a command which means the onus is on me. Let not man separate implies that man will try to and that I am not to let them. Have you ever watched a video of a mother bear when her cub is approached? She is known for her ferocious defense of her young and she will protect them to her very end. As this word picture unfolds in my mind I ask myself one question:

Do I fight to protect my marriage, my children and our family with the same tenacity? I wish I could say I always have.

Of all the things my heart has to be thankful for, one I often overlook is quite simple...second chances

How grateful I am for the mercy of God ever-present in my life and in my marriage. Each day I awake He gives me the miracle of a second chance. Miracles are often portrayed as being instantaneous but they are actually unfolding everyday...all around us.

My heart rejoices today that satan didn't have his way.

To my loving husband I say.

I'd Marry You Again

With tiny tears that glistened, my eyes were fixed on you, and thinking of the life we'd share we softly said, "I do".

Our hearts were knit together from the time that we first met, and memories were gathered that we never will forget.

While daily living life with you, you saw the real in me, and still you chose acceptance, a loving mystery. With many happy times gone by and others when we cried, some days we'd share so endlessly, while other days we'd hide.

With all the ups and downs we've had in learning to be friends, I know that in this heart of mine, I'd marry you again.

Anne Peterson