A Night to Remember

We recently celebrated Jim and Mary Zuidema, my in-laws', anniversary. We all came together to celebrate, but as it turned out, our celebration was much more about how they lived their lives, than the fact that they reached their 60th anniversary milestone.

Their children, grandchildren, and even their great grandchildren, thirty six in all, came together to celebrate this momentous occasion - an evening that will live on in our hearts forever.

After dinner we watched a video, produced by my oldest son David, that captured segments of each grandchild sharing a special congrats or message to their grandparents. It was touching to see all the well wishes but even more touching to hear them speak of the impact Grandma and Grandpa Z had on their lives. From sporting events, plays, and concerts to their continuous and intentional relational connection to each one of them, Grandma and Grandpa were highly involved in each of their lives. Their prayers also took center stage that night – “thank you, thank you, thank you, for praying for us,” was a consistent refrain throughout the room.

After the video we opened the room up to whoever felt led to share. We may have been celebrating a matrimony that took place on October 7, 1960, but the true celebration was in the testimonies shared.

“I wouldn’t be the man I am today without your influence on my life.”

“Mom, you provided me an example of spending time with Jesus, every morning, in the same spot on our sofa. Now I do the same. Thanks for modeling what time with Christ looks like.” 

“Thanks for persevering through the hard times and never giving up.”

 “You have been an awesome example of love and commitment to each other.”

“Thanks for the priority you placed on family events. There were always planned events and special birthdays and family vacations.”

“Thanks for helping me with my relationship problems.” 

“Thanks for standing in the gap after my dad passed away, both for me and for my children.” 

“Thanks for instilling in me the confidence that I could do whatever I set my mind to.”

“Thanks for being unselfish, even when that meant missing Cedar Point so you could care for a dear friend and lead them to Christ.”

“None of my friend’s Grandparents call them. Thanks for calling me!”
 

There was more shared that night. As I sit back and reflect I’m filled with so many emotions. I have been part of this family for over 33 years. As time has marched on and so many things have changed, I’m struck by the things that have remained constant with Jim and Mary. Their love and commitment to each other, to our family, and to God; their willingness to share their resources and their lives with others is amazing to witness. Somehow they manage to be connected to this growing family and find time to minister to others, including those behind bars.

Dad/Papa/Grandpa Z closed the night by addressing his tribe. He spoke about how imperfect he and Mary were – not even close to perfect - and yet God was always faithful, always willing and always able to use them. Jesus chose the disciples, a group of the most unlikely, uneducated men to be his ambassadors and he has called us to the same mission. We are called to bring the good news to the world, to live and spend our lives for God and for others. He reminded us that God’s word and people are the only two things that will last, and that it is foolish not to devote your lives to those two things, anything else would only lead to destruction. 

He implored us to give ourselves to that calling and to have Christ at the center of our lives. Mixed into this address was humor and many personal touches and teasing, as is Dad’s style.  Mary spoke of the miracle of all of us being together and how God has protected and preserved each life. She talked about how she prays for each one in that room, every single day. Wow, that’s awesome! The evening ended with Katelyn DeClark (their musically gifted granddaughter)  singing Great Is Thy Faithfulness  - when she sang her last note there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!  

This night will live on as a time capsule for all of us long after they are gone. As each of us celebrate our own milestones down the road, will ours be as full and as rich as this evening was? God only knows, but in his grace he is able to do exceedingly more than we can dare ask or even imagine. God intervened throughout the years on behalf of Jim and Mary, and we pray that he will continue to intervene long into the future on behalf of every soul in this family and the multitudes touched and reached by them down the road.