Becoming Historical Poem by Curtis Johnson

This week I have been in much thought about my wife and our marriage of 39 years*. I have noted and deeply considered the power and impact of 'history' in both the maintenance and long endurance in a marital relationship. The future is projected to be one of hope and vision, one of anticipation and eager planning. Although nothing beyond the 'now' is guaranteed in the 'tears' ahead, in sweet peace and harmony is where one would like to be in the 'years' ahead.
I heard the story of two gentlemen engaged in a conversation about their wives. One said, "When my wife gets upset with me, she always gets 'historical' ".In an attempt to correct his friend, the other gentleman said, "I think that you meant to say that she gets hysterical". The reply was, "No, I mean 'HISTORICAL'. She's always bringing up the past".With that in mind, want to make it clear that I am talking about history and not hysterics. Part of the beauty of marriage is the planning and dreams that we make for ourselves and prayerfully seek their reality. We also seek to leave some kind of legacy for our children.

Notwithstanding, there is that which is behind us that can thrust us forward. Experiences and memories, both pleasant and otherwise can be harnessed and utilized to rocket us into future joys and successes.It is often the triumphs and sometimes the failures in our past that inspire us to future success. What we draw from such experiences gives us confidence for future growth and development. Yes, we have today. Yes, we had yesterday.Yes, we have this moment;Yes, by grace and faith, we have tomorrow. But indeed, we can look each other in the eyes and say, "We HAVE yesterday; we HAVE a history".

One of the anticipated desires that my wife and I began to treasure as the years flowed by was to 'grow old together'.Many are the obstacles that can hinder and prevent a marriage from achieving such a reality.Nevertheless, it is a real joy and an awareness of God's magnanimous grace when we reach the senior years and begin our 'growing old' together.

31411PS *Presently,2020,48 years.