Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).
A few months before proposing to my wife, Wanda Cantrell, I published a Beatitudes Blog post, “Meek Beauty,” paying tribute to her as an exemplar of meekness. I discussed how her modesty and humility only enhance her great beauty. Beyond beautiful, she is lovely, a beauty who brings out the best in me and everyone else.
Soon thereafter, I published, “Marrying an Angel,” on the eve of our wedding. Again, I held her up as meek again, quoting her statement of our shared intention: To love each other in a way that reminds us of God. In other words, to be angels, witnesses of God to each other. Amid the harshness and uncertainties of life, she reminds me that God is kind.
But now ten years of marriage have passed, and things have changed….
She is ten years lovelier, and her living witness to the kindness and beauty of God shines all the brighter.
Ten years of marriage were supposed to add ten years of qualifications to the loveliness that took my breath away in the beginning. Instead they increased my passionate conviction tenfold.
A friend commented the other day that I seem so much happier than I did before the relationship with Wanda. I said yes, about 10,000%.
In those years, we have lived into each other’s daily rhythms and found harmony. She adapted graciously to the paradox of my orderly way of dealing with time and my disorderly ways with space. Meanwhile, I have become a bit more spontaneous and tidy.
In her show business life as a musician, she gets me out of the house. The fine artist encourages my muddling craft of writing and accepts that writers need books – in my case, many more than my slow eyes will ever read.
I would have married her with the same enthusiasm if her idea of cooking was heating up a couple of cans of vegetables to mix with Spam. Instead, after a long day’s slaving over a hot keyboard, she likes to unwind by preparing delicious meals. Before we married, I cooked for her to court her, but now I know better. Like the little girl in the old Shake ‘N Bake ad, I he-elp.
Wanda, all the accolades for meekness I offered a decade ago still apply to say the least. But on our 10th wedding anniversary, June 14, let me remind you that in your loveliness, you are a peacemaker. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9). Together we make a calm, easy home environment, and disagreements resolve so smoothly we have to think twice to discern whether we disagreed at all. Best friends, we have great conversations and contemplative spells of silence. Together we exercise, pray, laugh, and mourn the losses and injustices close to us and far away.
That is a picture of wholeness, health, vitality, and gratitude to God who gives us life and the love we share. The word for that in Hebrew is shalom, translated, “peace.” God brings these things to light for me through your loveliness.
In a nation and world where governments like our own are more apt to support injustice and oppression of vulnerable people Jesus called us to serve, I am grateful for our mutual support in doing what we can with our gifts in church and community. Your music brings people together, and your listening revives me after my long days of listening. As we explore additional new ways to make peace, thank you for your quiet leadership.
Amid all the world’s heartbreak and tragedy that we refuse to dismiss, thank you for the little sanctuary of peace you make for us. And I believe you know what bears repeating: I am madly, madly in love with you. Happy 10th Anniversary!
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What a lovely tribute! Happy Anniversary from Kemper and me♥️
Thank you! Blessings to you both!