Connie and I were married on this date 56 years ago. On this anniversary, I must say that other than the gift of eternal life, she is the best gift God ever gave me. I am thankful for her and thankful to her. I am certain that marrying Connie was an important part of the will of God for my life.
She has, for 56 years, been a trusted confidant, a loving companion, and a happy co-laborer in the service of Jesus Christ. She is a beautiful wife, mother and grandmother. Words are inadequate to express how I feel on this special day. Maybe the Hallmark card will help.
However, there was a time in the year 1967 that I came close to losing her. We were students in college. It was probably because of my uncertainty and immaturity that we decided to date other people. She was much more secure within herself than I was then.
During that year, every girl I dated was lovely and interesting. But I could not help comparing each one to Connie. I discovered before long that no one could measure up to her beauty, her thoughtfulness, her strength, and the emotional hold she had on me.
At first, when I saw her with other guys it didn’t bother me. But the longer we were apart I began to realize that I could not imagine life without her. I still loved her. In the good providence of God, she took me back and we declared our love for each other.
A song that expressed that for me then was a ballad sung by Andy Williams: “I saw you last night and got that old feeling. / When you came in sight I got that old feeling. / The moment that you passed by, I felt a thrill. / and when you caught my eye my heart stood still. / Suddenly I seemed to feel that old yearning. / Then I knew the flame of love was still burning. / There’ll be no new romance for me, It’s foolish to start / when that old, old feeling is still in my heart.”
We were married the next year, August 2, 1968. We still love each other.
Pastor Randy Faulkner