Forty Years

By Belinda



Let the bells ring out again

Bringing loads and loads of cheer

To the celebrating pair

Praying that your love won't wane

But grow deeper year by year

In God's tender love and care

May your future brighter grow

In the joy that both can know

That the Eternal God doth reign

Rev. Ron .F. T. Burston (Paul's dad) August 23rd 1972 (3rd Wedding Anniversary)

Forty years ago today I was a nervous 19 year old, with hands that shook as they held a bouquet of yellow roses.

I have been celebrating, during the weeks leading up to this day, by remembering (and writing of course,) about some parts of our journey.

Our celebration of this milestone anniversary, has been unique to "us." We are very different in personality and what falls within each of our comfort zones. So as the day approached, we talked through how we were going to celebrate.

For me it was important to acknowledge the blessing of being together at all, and then for so long. I didn't need any fanfare or big party to do that; I only really needed one person. Every other acknowledgement would just be a blessing.

We discussed going away for the weekend together, but then we thought we would plan just a day away together. We talked some more and realized that what we both just really wanted to do was just be here, at home, together. So that's what we.ve been doing this weekend: "Being;" "at home;" "together," having celebrations with family and ejoying it very much.


Our 40 years together have held days of pain and shadow; as well as light and laughter. That we are here today is by God's grace and in spite of ourselves. I celebrate that.

John 9:3 (New International Version)
3..."but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."