Rites of Passage

Today has been a day marked by two specific events. In the early afternoon, Joyce and I attended the funeral service for a lady whom Joyce had been visiting regularly, and taking out, for some years. Mrs Baxter died, unexpectedly, as the result of a heart attack. However, while there were tears shed at the service, the whole event was a celebration of Mrs B’s 79 years of mortal life, and her having come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus, a number of years ago. What was in the coffin, we were reminded, was only the mortal remains – the body that Mrs B had used. The real person had already gone to be “with the Lord” (cf II Cor.5:8). So, we were able to grieve, as those who have hope – hope that is based on the death and resurrection of the Lord. (cf.I Thess.4:13).

The other event was our own celebration of thirty-nine years of marriage! It was on Friday, 4th September, 1970, that we stood before Rev George B. Duncan, in St.George’s-Tron Parish Church in Glasgow, and exchanged our marriage vows. I would like to be able to say that those years have never witnessed a disagreement or a harsh word. Unfortunately, we are both human, so that has not been the case! However, our common love for the Lord, and His overwhelming love for us, has kept us together through good times, and less good times. For this, we are both grateful.

Of course, as many would know, Joyce has had to put up with a lot more because of me, than vice/versa!! I am daily thankful that I was given such a faithful, encouraging, supportive, diligent, wife. Every time I read the words of Proverbs 31:10ff, I think of my own wee wife, and express my gratitude for her. It is, in my opinion, one of the saddest marks of contemporary ‘western’ society, that there is such a lack of commitment between couples, leading to separation and divorce on an ever-increasing scale – with all of the problems that come hard on the heels of such family breakdown, especially when children are involved. One of the things that I told couples I was marrying is that after the wedding comes the marriage – and that requires hard work, even sacrifice, if it is going to be successful. As we anticipate, by God’s grace, another year together and a Ruby Wedding Anniversary, I wonder how many of the young couples of today will ever reach that significant milestone?!

Death, and marriage – two of the Rites of Passage about which I have taught children for many years. We may not all become married but, prior to the return of the Lord Jesus, each of us will die. May those who remain after we have gone be able, as we were able today, to “… not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope.” And may marriage – that God-given institution – be again honoured in our society, and encouraged by all who have influence over others.