Today is not only Christmas Eve, but it's also my parents' 50th anniversary.
50 years.
50 years... of marriage.
50 years... of marriage... to the same person.
In this day and age, it's tough to imagine committing to 50 years of anything.
You don't have to commit to 50 years of school (I'm on the verge of exploding after 22 years), 50 years of work (most people don't even stay with the same company for more than 5 years anymore), or even 50 years in the same house (I've personally lived in 4 states in less than 10 years).
Our generation, more than any other before us, is always looking for something newer, better, and more interesting. We're not really taught to appreciate what we have or fix things that don't work. Upgrading is an important part of our life. Heck, just ask any technology company.
In fact, Lu and I were watching Family Feud, and one question during the fast money section was, "What is the first thing a man trades out when he 'makes it' financially?"
(Yes, I have a secret obsession with game shows.)
The audience laughed when the contestant immediately said, "His wife."
It was a funny answer, but it wasn't funny that it turned out to be number one on the board. Ouch!
My parents have definitely been through some tough times in their 50 years. It's not easy raising four children, or influencing the lives of four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and two grand-dogs.
However, it's a blessing -- and an inspiration -- to know that they'd do it all again. No upgrading necessary.
50 years.
 |
| Then... |
50 years... of marriage.
 |
| ... Now |
In this day and age, it's tough to imagine committing to 50 years of anything.
You don't have to commit to 50 years of school (I'm on the verge of exploding after 22 years), 50 years of work (most people don't even stay with the same company for more than 5 years anymore), or even 50 years in the same house (I've personally lived in 4 states in less than 10 years).
Our generation, more than any other before us, is always looking for something newer, better, and more interesting. We're not really taught to appreciate what we have or fix things that don't work. Upgrading is an important part of our life. Heck, just ask any technology company.
 |
| Line for iPhone release (from www.businessinsider.com) |
(Yes, I have a secret obsession with game shows.)
The audience laughed when the contestant immediately said, "His wife."
It was a funny answer, but it wasn't funny that it turned out to be number one on the board. Ouch!
My parents have definitely been through some tough times in their 50 years. It's not easy raising four children, or influencing the lives of four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and two grand-dogs.
However, it's a blessing -- and an inspiration -- to know that they'd do it all again. No upgrading necessary.
