Dear Bearcreekians,

Today Vickie and I have been married 37 years. I first said “I do” to Vickie on August 14, 1971, and almost every day since.

There were some who thought our marriage was a mistake. There are some who thought it wouldn’t last. There were even days when we wondered if we had done the right thing and would it last. But by prayer and self sacrifice, through grief and wonderful joy, we are still together.

The early church compared Jesus’ relationship with his followers to a marriage, Jesus being the groom and we being the bride. I first said I do to God when I was confirmed (I don’t remember the date) and then pretty much forgot about it. I said a heartfelt “I do” to Jesus in July of 1968 and almost every day since. All the questions of “Is this right?” and “Can it really work?” are present in this marriage as well. And this marriage only survives by prayer and self sacrifice, through grief and wonderful joy, as we stay together in worship, study and service.

Shalom, Dave O