Marriage Maintenance

Mr. Lincoln and I are on our annual "marriage maintenance" (thanks to my friend, Clark, for the terminology) trip to the beach. We will celebrate our 39th anniversary this year, and we have tried to take some little trip each year. I am beyond grateful that it has become a couple weeks together at the beach, followed by our children (and grandchildren...I love saying that) joining us. This would not be possible if Mr. Lincoln were not so self-disciplined in making the plans. He makes all the arrangements, and all I have to do is pack. I love it! It will not come as a surprise to any one who knows us, we sort of do the same things every year. It has come to our attention, however, that we may have to change grocery stores here. We have always gone to Bailey's, the old store with a long history on the island, but heavens to Betsy, their prices are out of sight. So, we have been checking out the other store. It does not have the feel of Bailey's, but the prices are better. Also, we got a little crazy the other night and ate at a new restaurant. We enjoyed it. But, I digress. If anyone at our condo complex paid any attention, they might be surprised to hear that we call this our "marriage maintenance" trip. Mr. Lincoln does not care for the beach, so he spends his time at the pool while I figure there are pools at home, but there is certainly no ocean. Also, I prefer the sounds of the surf to the inane conversations of the people at the pool. Of course, they are on vacation and do not need to concern themselves with my opinion of their subject matter. Mr. Lincoln will run and bike for miles and miles and miles. I will walk for miles. I will take, literally, hundreds of pictures. Almost every morning I walk on the beach to the lighthouse. I leave at first light so that I can get pictures of the sunrise. This morning it was cloudy, which can produce an extremely interesting sunrise, or obliterate it all together. This morning it seemed that I would not get any good pictures of the sunrise, and I seriously considered leaving my camera behind. I am so glad that I did not, for I saw many wonderful things, several of which reminded me of the significance of "marriage maintenance." As I walked, I came upon an older couple walking arm in arm. He had long white hair flowing out from under his cap. She was bundled up in a parka with the hood over her head. He looked like an old, salty sea captain helping her along so that she did not take a misstep in the soft sand. It was a precious sight to me. I know nothing of their lives except that on a cloudy morning at the beach they were together, and they seemed to be happy. As I continued my walk, I came upon a wedding there on the beach. I can only imagine that the bride chose a Saturday morning at 7:00 am because she wanted a sunrise service. It was not to be, but it did not seem to dampen their spirits. The couple was surrounded by family and friends. She was lovely, and her new husband just looked like the type who would be very content having his wedding on the beach, barefoot, in khakis. No tuxedo for this groom. From afar, as I walked I watched the wedding party bow their heads for a prayer. Apparently, right as I reached them, the minister pronounced them husband and wife, for applause broke out, and I am fairly certain they were not for me. Perhaps, they were for the sun that broke through the clouds right at that moment.....sort of like a visible blessing on their marriage from God. On my return walk, I was actually given the opportunity to congratulate them and wish them much happiness. I hope ever January 5 they will return to the spot of their ceremony and contemplate the joy they felt at that moment. I walked to the point and there saw an osprey bringing food to babies in his nest. Ospreys nest high above the ground, and this one was on a man-made platform. Over and over, he would fly from the nest, get food, and bring it back. After four or so trips, he flew out over the bay, quickly followed by the female bird. I imagined that once the babies had been fed and carefully situated, the parents took a little "marriage maintenance" Saturday morning respite. Ospreys mate for life. They understand the need for a little maintenance. So, for today, I wish you to take time for maintaining all your relationships, and I wish you Blessings