25th Anniversary

NO it's not our 25th wedding anniversary. That was a LONG time ago. But it is a 25th anniversary of something quite important to us as a couple. Can you guess? Probably not since to others it would not mean a great deal but to us it is reason to celebrate. Before I uncover the mystery let me ask you the question that served to prompt this thought: "What material item has truly been a gift from God in your marriage?"I know there are as many answers to this question as there are fish in the ocean.

For us the answer is simple: Tandem Bike! We have been riding a tandem bike for 25 years! In 1993 we bought our first tandem. It was a black Trek 1000. I could not find a very good photo of it but it was a lovely bike that carried us over many a trail in the midwest and eventually was shipped to China in 2000 where together we explored all the back alleys of Beijing China. When we returned to the states the bike was included with our household belongings and continued to motor us around. But we missed the excitement of exploring another culture. How could we again travel overseas and take our "friend" with us? The answer came when we realized we needed to purchase a new tandem, custom made with couplers to take it apart and fit the pieces into luggage. Would we have at least 10 years of fun left in our legs to warrant this big investment? This year-our 10th on the Co-Motion bike proves God's goodness to us in allowing us so much time together on the bike. The adventures Hunter and I have experienced on the tandem bike could fill volumes! But more than just the adventures I see a material object that has helped to cement our marriage, bringing us happiness and a common goal as we traveled a multitude of roads.

Now, as I currently struggle with Parkinson's Disease, I once again look at the tandem as a special gift from God. When I sit behind Hunter grasping onto the handle bars with my legs steadily going around and around I actually feel as though I do NOT have a disease. My hands don't tremor, nor am I anxious or off balance but feel 25 years younger with  Hunter's funny banter causing delicious laughter. God is so good to give us the desires of our heart, if they match His desires for us. I do believe He continues to smile seeing us enjoy loving each other and experiencing life together on our bike outings.

If you are a husband/wife team what material possession has God gifted you with and if nothing comes to mind why not try a tandem? I once heard it said that a tandem bike would either grow a marriage as you have to trust one another or cause major conflict as you must submit to one another in your prospective "roles" on the bike. Honestly I believe the former is more true than the latter.
You only have one life to live so live it well, doing what you enjoy with your mate, creating memories that last and stories to share with the next generation!