What began as a music lesson evolved into a delightful interview with a couple who are celebrating fifty years of marital bliss. Their fiftieth anniversary was 19 August, 2009 . Such married individuals are few and far between, especially if, like this couple,i they marry young. How does one mix music and an interview? Although I play the keyboard, most of the music results from ‘ear’. Playing by ear has its benefits. In fact, I have spent money on CD courses that promised to teach an individual to play by ear. One proved to be a lecture – theory but no practical demonstrations. The second course progressed too quickly to be beneficial. The instructor demonstrated theory but overloaded the lessons. Since I can read music and simply needed to reinforce the bass, I enlisted the aid of a musician in the community. When I visited her recently, she reminded me about music lessons. We agreed on a time and date.

Having a common interest opens the communication sluice gate. Although I focused on the music lesson and reading the music sheet, the desire to play by ear nudged me. Eventually, the music teacher played one of the songs  in a different key. Finding the song in that key using the treble clef presented no problem. I played it easily. Finding the correct bass notes challenged me. However, my teacher was patient , helping me with the progression in the bass. Sometimes she accompanied me by playing the treble; and the harmonious results challenged me to master the given key! What the lesson revealed is no surprise. Perfect practice makes perfect performance. How I hungered for improved musical skills!! When we took a break, the idea for a hub emerged from the shadows. What ideas could I glean from her? Soon I discovered that she and her husband were celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Fifty years of marriage? How marvelous! My parents had shared fifty eight years of marriage before the demise of my father. I thought about the marriages of yesteryear and the weddings of today. Fifty years ago, there was no videotaping of the event with a DJ and the accompanying fanfare at a reception. Life was simple and the spouse was earnest. Since marriage was included as a popular hub topic, I decided to interview the celebrants. What elements contributed to their fifty years of marriage? They provided me with four key points.

Serious Vows

A vow is a promise. The marriage vows look at the whole picture. What do individuals promise? They agree that they would be content with their estate. Whether they lived with wealth or poverty,, they decided before God to be faithful to the partner and endure to the end. Only death, not infidelity, abuse or incompatibility, would part them. What happens if there is sickness? There is assurance that does not hinge on the amount of insurance. Whether one becomes sick or remains healthy, each spouse is entitled to a quality life of tender,loving care.The marriage vows demand responsibility and commitment. Do you think your job works you hard? Get married!

Resolve Problems

In some marriages, the husband gives the wife the silent treatment and vice versa. Why are they indifferent and not speaking to each other?How can friends who love each other  behave that way? They had a disagreement and could not resolve their differences. What could cause problems? Habits can take a toll on a marriage. Being teetotalers like this couple can eliminate many problems - including drunkenness. Refraining from smoking and using other addictive drugs can lessen the problems in the home. Fortunately, this couple adheres to a high standard of living, following sound biblical principles. Both of them believe in the importance of resolving any difference before bedtime. In that way, the problem would not fester and become a sore point.Forgiveness and good communication play a vital role in marriage longevity and happiness.

Put God First

The importance of putting God first has formed the foundation for their home. Their secret is worth sharing! Jesus Christ is  first in every activity throughout the day. With godliness as a priority, there exists no place for wrongdoing. They believe that all sin is great; and a righteous God cannot tolerate it. Thus, there is a need to be holy, to be like Jesus in thought, word and deed. Emulate Christ who lived love and shed His blood because He loved mankind so much. Love means sacrificing selfish desires on the altar of common good. Putting God first involves active service. The wife revealed that she began playing the organ at age sixteen, before she married; and she has held other positions in her church. A personal relationship with God provides joy, which both of them exudes; and their seven children have benefited too. With God as the foundation for the home, the children learned to look to Him early. Did problems arise in spite of their relationship with God? Problems are a part of life; but with God to guide, the solution becomes clear with time.

Keep The Confidence

Within a marriage, confidence is vital. The spouse expects the wife or husband to keep their problems confidential. No third party should know what goes on behind closed doors. A breach of confidence opens the sluice gate of mistrust. Information that is shared with another party becomes a table top discussion and often the source of gossip and misunderstanding. Marriage remains a confidential affair between two individuals and God.

After the interview, I thanked this happy couple and rushed home to write notes. I look forward to other music lessons. God wants me to make a joyful noise; and He has provided a musician and teacher with more than fifty years of experience! I know that success is mine as we both have a mind to praise and worship Him.