Column from the Middletown Journal
by Pastor Dave Kepple
August 19, 2000


Timing is everything. Given a forum such as this every few months, one wants to make it count -- one way or another.
On Jan. 1, 2000, I was able to welcome in a new millennium by reflecting on the death of my stepfather and the birth of my granddaughter within the same week in December, and that fine line between joy and sorrow which runs through our days.
Then came May, and on the Saturday before Mother's Day, I had the chance to ruminate on my own mother's passing in March, and reflect on a time of transition.
For this column -- today -- I had really hoped to say something meaningful about the subject of holy matrimony, since my daughter is getting married this evening. Only one problem: I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to say, or how to say it.
On the other hand, an entirely different topic presented itself, since our congregation is part of the Methodist Coalition involved in last week's Habitat for Humanity "Blitz Build" in Middletown. That, too, is a subject well worth writing about, though I was no more clear on how to approach it.
Perplexed, I put my column-writing chore aside, even as the deadline drums began sounding louder and louder. So it was that I was sitting in worship last Sunday afternoon -- at a special service to celebrate the Blitz Build -- when the framework of an idea began to take shape unexpectedly.
One of the Habitat for Humanity speakers quoted a verse from Psalm 127, when he said, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."
And I thought to myself, how very true.
True for the nearly-completed house on 18th Avenue, which Kenyatta Robinson and her two little girls will soon call home.
True for the sacred covenant of marriage, which my daughter and her fiance will enter into later today with the exchange of vows.
True for all of us, as we make our way through this beautiful mystery and mess called life, in the appointed time we've been given.
With love and care, the Habitat volunteers came together to build a home from the ground up. Empowered by God's strength, inspiration and direction, they somehow gathered each day and overcame numerous obstacles to create something worthwhile, something that will last for many years to come.
That same kind of love, care and -- yes -- commitment is vital for any man and woman who seek to build a life together as husband and wife. Like building a house, it won't always be easy.
There will be times when the work of marriage will be more than a little challenging. When something doesn't turn out quite the way one planned it. When you have to get down into the dank and dark crawlspace of your emotions and those of your spouse.
When a construction crew sets out to build a house, they generally see the job through. You don't see too many partially-built homes around, abandoned by the builders when the going got tough.
Sadly, that's not the case with regard to marriage. These days, so many marriages seem to have the staying power of a house of cards. The first ill wind comes along, and they crumble to the ground.
That's why I believe it's crucial for any couple -- and certainly for my daughter and her fiance -- to build their marriage on the solid rock of faith in God. Of course, they will need the right tools for the job. Tools such as prayer and patience, honesty and compassion, a sense of humor and a sense of determination.

Marriage isn't a "Blitz Build." It's a life-long project. But what joy and satisfaction will come to those who invite God to be the master-builder of their lives together as a couple.
May it be so for you, my darling daughter.