Christ said, “Love one another, even as I have loved you”
February 13th, 2007Today is Tuesday, February 13 and I find myself standing between two important dates.
Yesterday, February 12, was my parent’s 57th wedding anniversary. In 1950 Delton Traylor and Jean Bowman drove across the Alabama state line to get married at the courthouse in Trenton, Georgia. They were soon to move to Detroit, Michigan, to find work. Dad was just out of the army and home from Korea. Detroit offered jobs in those days to many from the South. It was a snowy day in December almost four years later when they brought me home from the Wayne County Hospital. The St. Claire Shores Baptist Church was the first church I attended and the church nursery became my first church experience. Dad was saved and baptized there. I still remember Pastor Keefer from those days when I was just a boy.
In 1962 my parents made the decision to move back to Alabama. They opened a grocery store in Pisgah. This would forever be the place I call home. Like many others my parents struggled in the early days of business. But soon the store was profitable. We lived in a couple of rental houses before they built the home they still live in today. It was a leap but they made it. God has continued to pave the way for my parents. They have been faithful members of the Pisgah Baptist Church for 45 years. I am proud of them. They have loved me every step of the journey. As parents, grandparents and in-laws to Liz, they have been the best. In just three more years they will celebrate 60 years together. I feel another party coming!
Tomorrow is February 14 – Valentine’s Day. For 30 years now I have looked for the right card or special gift. And yes, I have foolishly forgotten some years; but thankfully I have a forgiving wife. What a grand lady she is! Liz has encouraged me since we married in 1976. From that first country church in Alabama all the way to Olive, she has been a consistent Christian lady. God highly favored me when a friend, Tim Campbell, introduced her to me at Samford University.
So as I stand today between two important dates, I wish to share with you a few reminders:
1. Love your parents.
2. Be godly parents.
3. Make certain marriage is a forever contract before you sign on.
4. Take time to say “I love you” to the special people in your life.
5. Don’t be foolish. Purchase a Valentine’s card NOW!
Pastor Ted Traylor