This month marks the 36th anniversary of our June 15th wedding in 1973. I knew then, as I know now, that joining my life with Ken Shaffer was God’s perfect will for my life. The decision to marry this Arizona boy was not a hastily made decision, nor one made blindly while caught up in all the feel good emotions of young love. I took this decision to say, “yes” to his proposal, very seriously. Truth be told, as my feelings for him were growing, my concern for making a wrong decision were growing too.
I was young! Just twenty years old when I first met my future husband. What did I know about making these kinds of decisions? I had learned through the guidance of my parents that this life choice was not to be made casually, for it would direct the path for the rest of my life! I had surrendered my life to serve the Lord and I needed to choose right!
My devotion to Christ at that point in time, dictated that I seek His will and not my own. I wanted to do His will and if that included Ken, then I knew everything would be ok.
So....I prayed....and prayed....and prayed.....
I talked to my Dad about this young man because I had always trusted the judgment of my spiritually minded father.
On June 15th, 1973, on the hottest day ever— I joined myself to Ken Shaffer forever and always. I’ve never regretted that decision. Now, I was choosing another heart’s devotion. In doing this one well, I would also be serving and pleasing my Lord.
Loving Ken meant that I was choosing to put his needs before my own. I was choosing to spend the rest of my life ministering to him. I had willingly chosen the life of a helpmeet. I have not always done that job perfectly, but I can honestly say I have tried. I have learned that there is always room to grow and learn. Just in writing down these few memories, the Lord in His goodness, taught me yet another thing that will make me a better helpmeet.
We have been blessed with three wonderful children. All three are saved and serving the Lord with their lives. Our family has grown to include two precious daughters in law as well.
How blessed I am! On this 36th Anniversary, I willingly choose to continue to devote myself to the task of helping my husband fulfill his dreams and ambitions. I will strive to be a better comforter, friend, encourager, blessing and reward as I work as his right-hand woman.
Happy Anniversary Ken! I love you over the moon and back a ka-zillion times.
Sheryl
