Peaceful Paradise

On our final day in Santorini, Greece, a peaceful paradise, I'm thankful for God's sustaining grace during 20 years of marriage.   We've spent the past 6 days enjoying the still blue waters of the Aegean Sea.  In all of life, I've never experienced such calm and quiet surroundings, yet the origin of this circular island is from volcanic explosion. God created this beauty through violent eruption.  One of the highlights of our trip was a sunset sail with several American couples.  There were 2 sets of newlyweds on their honeymoon, one couple recently engaged in Santorini and another celebrating a significant birthday. During this evening of combined festivity, one of the men commented that many couples don't last 20 years.  As our evening progressed, the winds increased and the sea became quite rough.  One of the women became seasick and another bemoaned the waves crashing over us.  Quietly, I was delighted by it all.  Having no experience with sailing, I found the uneven water to be a thrill.  This outing seemed more symbolic of marriage than the typically tranquil and placid waters surrounding the island.  In the past 2 decades, God shaped and formed a beautiful, peaceful marriage for us, through rough waters and his most gracious blessings.  As we prepare to return home, to the real world, I'm struck by the overwhelming peace I feel in this place.  As a kindergarten teacher and a mother of teen girls, calm moments are a treasure in life, so each day I'm especially thankful for the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding.   Through His suffering and sacrifice, I have peace with God.   I am certain when I meet the Lord face to face one day, it will be in the midst of the most peaceful paradise.  I'm thankful for glimpses of eternity this week as we celebrate his goodness to us.