Luke 15:23

New International Version (NIV)

 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

For meditation

It was a special day. The son who separated himself from the father and went far into a foreign country was back. Distance and the treachery of the world had taught him a cruel lesson, and he had come with a prepared apology and repentance speech. He knew he did not deserve anything from the father, but mercy and grace.

The father, however, had it all together in a different way. He knew the son was coming back in a woeful condition, and he had compassionately prepared for it. He also knew the son had learned his lesson and needed no rebuke, and so he expected no apology. “He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Lk. 15:20). He had his son back, and that was enough. The best robe, ring, and sandals were brought to adorn the son, and the celebration began (24).

Some days are that special, and must be celebrated with overflowing joy. The fattened calf cannot be spared. The quizzical looks and sneering reactions of people should be no issues – not even the objection of a jealous and unmerciful brother. The celebration must go on! The joyful heart must have a vent for expression or it explodes. The joy we express is because we have something that transcends all of such considerations.

One of such days is a wedding anniversary. It is a receiving back of a union that has gone through trials and testing, better and regrettable days, denials and affirmations, and a contest of minds and preferences. Anything could have happened during the previous years; but God! There has been transformation of lives. We may not appreciate it; but we are a thousand times better than a year ago. We are receiving ourselves back, matured and better informed. We’ve gained another opportunity to make the marriage what God intends it to be – a strong and inseparable union, filled with joy.

That’s why I celebrate you today, my dearest Akosua Owusu-Baafi.

Thirty-seven years ago, we started this turbulent journey that offered lots of promises without guarantees. I have been the worst of husbands you did not expect or deserve. You had great hope for a secure future, the level of which, I haven’t been able to deliver. I have seen your tears and felt your disappointments over the years. But God is good! He has seen us through every situation.

As we look back today, we can say with Samuel: “Ebenezer … Thus far has the Lord helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12). We can appreciate that we are much better than when we started. When we survey our fortunes, we can see a beautiful and solid generation God has raised through us – four children and five grandchildren, with another to outdoor soon. What else could we ask for, beyond this amazing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Happy Anniversary, my dear! I love you loads.

Do you also have cause to celebrate and thank God today?