For Richer, For Poorer
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
“The Christian knows no change with regard to God. He may be rich today and poor tomorrow; he may be sick today and well tomorrow; he may be happy today and sad tomorrow—but there is no change regarding his relationship to God. If He loved me yesterday, He loves me today.” – C.H. Spurgeon
On June 29th, Deanna and I will celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary. Over the past four decades, we have experienced our share of ups and downs, highs and lows, just like any other married couple. However, throughout that roller coaster ride called marriage, there have been two constants: God’s love and faithfulness toward us… and our love and commitment to each other.
Without God loving us unconditionally – even when we were unlovely – we wouldn’t have made it this far. The same goes for His faithfulness, which has never wavered one iota. In fact, the “secret” to our marriage is no secret at all. Deanna and I have simply tried our best, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to model God’s love and commitment to each other.
In other words, when we said, “til death to us part,” we meant it. No emergency exits… no trap doors… no escape plans. We entered into our marriage covenant “for keeps” because God’s covenant with us is also lifelong and binding.
Like I said, it hasn’t always been easy. For example, when we tied the knot, I was earning $13,000 as the Director of Recreation at the Wiley Christian Retirement Community in Marlton NJ. That was barely enough to secure a one-bedroom apartment in nearby Maple Shade, after which we moved into free housing on Wiley’s property above a maintenance garage. Not exactly a penthouse suite, but we were extremely grateful for it.
After three years, we had saved up enough money to buy a fixer-upper in Pennsauken, just 12 blocks from the Camden border. We raised our kids in that blue collar, racially and ethnically diverse neighborhood for nine years, and were happy as clams. It was in that small Cape Cod that Chris suffered a TIA… and later, a massive stroke… but God remained faithful amidst that and many other ordeals. Some were financial and some were health-related. However, all of them stretched our faith, deepened our love, and strengthened our commitment.
Today, I love and cherish my bride more than ever before. For better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health. Best of all, God feels the same way about me… and you!
“…God is love.” I John 4:8 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
