By Kerry Tittle
Editor’s Note: In this short blog, my friend Kerry Tittle shares a funny but pointed story from her honeymoon. You will be well-served by her honesty and candor. Kerry’s husband Rob died along with their two oldest daughters when a tornado hit their house in 2014. Kerry originally shared this story on Facebook (shared with her permission and a few edits).
Hard hearts and stinky trucks…..an anniversary story
So twenty four years ago……. God gave me so many opportunities to learn and I wasted many of them. One of them is actually a funny story.
Rob and I were on day two of our honeymoon. Wedded bless came to abrupt halt. We were in “somewhere” Florida sitting across from each other at a Denny’s. I can’t speak for him, but I was pretty shocked I had a married a sinner! I mean he is sitting there eating eggs while I am obviously upset. (day 2 ya’ll).
I stared out the window too proud to even drink coffee. The silent tension was obnoxious.
Suddenly, a trash truck pulled up to the Denny’s dumpster. I had to take a second look…..but there on the side of the nasty truck were the words “We cater weddings for free.”
At first I was amused, but then I saw a smile play across Rob’s face and I quickly realized I was supposed to be irritated. So I continued in my stony cold countenance. But then Rob began to choke and then belly laugh. I rolled my eyes in annoyance….but then I started laughing.
We sat there what seemed like an eternity laughing. Through our entire marriage we never could remember what the fight was about. All we remembered was the most insanely nasty truck that brought momentary laughter.
I wish I could tell you that was the end of my mountain climbing and dying on mountains, but it wasn’t. It wasn’t until Rob ran ahead to eternity that all the those “rights” became meaningless and unimportant.
I learned way late in life that that Scripture speaks so much of “Being kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). Don’t keep an account of wrongs and all the things love is not (I Corinthians 13:1-13). Plus, of course, “live at peace with all” (Romans 12:18).
Christ spent time loving others not proving himself. I know that Rob is in Heaven understanding forgiveness more than I ever could but I still have regrets of moments of my loveless self. I am thankful how much the Lord has changed me through all this but also sad it took so long.
Among so many things I could encourage you today regarding forgiveness, the shortness of life, and the necessity of taking full advantage of every moment, I urge you to not let the realities of sin and suffering hinder you from quickly doing what is right – even if it means others have a wrong view of you. Life is far too short and peace will give way.
Happy Anniversary, Rob. ❤️💔 Miss you
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