50 Years Together...
At the dinner table that day, my Dad asked me if I had noticed the lovely young lady who was visiting the service with another young woman who was a member of the congregation. I nodded the I had, and he asked me: "Well, what's her name?".
I replied, "I don't know. I didn't introduce myself to her after church."
After dinner, Dad pulled me aside and asked me why I had not introduced myself to the girl.
I replied: "Well, first of all, I was too shy to approach her. Secondly, she is a grown woman, and I'm just eighteen-years-old, and fresh out of high school. Dad, she's just out of my league."
Dad smiled and placed his loving hand on my shoulder and said: "My dear son, you are standing on the threshold of manhood, so don't allow a little age difference stop you; besides, you have always seemed to be mature beyond your years. Let me assure you that no one is out of your league. In my opinion, you are selling yourself short. You're a fine, upstanding young man. You are sensitive, kind, and courteous; and this young lady, from her appearance, her tasteful mode of dress, and judging from the way she carries herself, would be the perfect match for you. I strongly encourage you to introduce yourself to her tonight if she is present during the evening church service. This girl may very well be the woman you end up marrying."
I took my father's advice and introduced myself to the hauntingly beautiful young woman that evening.
My Dad's keen fatherly instincts proved to be right on the mark. Fourteen months later, on September 19, 1965, Miss Charlotte Jones became my wife! We were married in the church where we first met, and my Dad was my Best Man at our wedding. He passed from this life into eternity on February 1, 2015...so my Best Man is no longer with me. However, the lovely and gracious woman who took my last name is still by my side, and has been steadfast and faithful to me since the day we made our wedding vows to one another. There is no doubt in my mind that God blessed me with this precious woman as my wife and the loving Mother of our two sons.
I conclude this essay with a most appropriate word of Scripture:
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."