Faith & Insight: Love’s the ticket

This week, our loved ones celebrated my father’s 85th birthday.

My folks were still in their teens on their wedding day. My paternal grandfather quipped, “It’ll never last.” My dad often jokes with my mother by reminding her of grandpa’s prediction and then adds, “He might still be right!”

Mom and dad are looking forward to their 66th wedding anniversary in February.

My love and appreciation for my parents has grown immeasurably over the years as I’ve observed how gracefully and lovingly they face the challenges of growing old together.

When asked about the secret to their long and happy married life, my dad usually responds with a joke and family members insist at least some of the credit ought to go to hearing loss!

The truth, however, is love continues to work in their relationship as they care for one another and as my father’s protective eye keenly watches over my mother. Love — that’s the ticket! Love — that’s the secret!

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.