This little phrase is tucked neatly into the traditional vows of the wedding ceremony: for better or for worse. Like many things in life, these words have greater clarity when viewed in the rearview mirror. Only by looking backwards can we see what these vows really entail.

Having been married for 44 years. I realize that we have faced many obstacles and much opposition. I once heard someone say: life is full of troubles – and then you die. This is very true, but that’s not all of the story. There’s much more. After life on earth, believers in Jesus get to enjoy him forever! So, long-term future is terrific. The difficulties come now in the interim. Truly, life is full of troubles. But it is also full of blessings.

I thank God blessed and provided me with a wonderful and supportive wife. When Judy uttered these words, for better or for worse, over 44 years ago, she could never have imagine what she was getting into! We have had some “better” and many “worse” circumstances.

I don’t mean to sound morbid or pessimistic. So let me explain what I mean. Since before Christmas, Judy has been dealing with three or four, what would be considered minor health issues: psoriasis, bronchitis and intestinal flu. However, combined with my constant care, this has been most difficult. Although we have some aid provided by the Veterans Administration, she is my primary caregiver and does much of the work herself.

Try to imagine being sick – extremely fatigued, weak, and nauseous and the only one able to provide care to a big lug like me. My daily care involves helping me to move my bowels. At the risk of being too graphic, this dear lady has been exhausted and literally up to her elbows in excrement taking care of me! The scene doesn’t sound pretty but her undying love and selfless devotion is beautiful to me.

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:10–12, ESV)

I chose wisely and got far better than I deserve!