Life has a funny way of coming full circle and this became evident to us this past weekend.  Jackie and I traveled to Pittsburgh to take in a baseball game between the surging Pittsburgh Pirates and the Colorado Rockies.  Although they lost the game we attended, the atmosphere at PNC Park was fun as the Pirates, who currently have the best record in baseball, appear headed to the playoffs after twenty non-winning seasons.   For me, it was a step back into a world in which I once lived as a youngster and was a nice break from the routine.

Saturday was filled with intentional detours.  We awoke to a soggy forecast which temporarily put our plans on hold to attend the afternoon practice at the Pittsburgh Steeler training camp at St. Vincent College.

Upon leaving my Mom’s home, we paid our respects to Jackie’s parents by visiting the mausoleum where Jackie’s Mom was laid to rest at the end of 2012 and where her Dad was buried shortly after we were married.  It was the first time we had the opportunity to do so since Ann passed away and was another step in the grieving process for us.

Wedding talk has been the norm at our house for the past few weeks as our youngest daughter, Brittany, recently announced her engagement with the wedding taking place in mid-November – as in this year!  This Father of the Bride has been very reflective as of late which paved the way for our next stop.

Given the uncertain forecast we decided to take a trip down memory lane after leaving the gravesite.  As we traveled toward home we decided to visit the college where Jackie attended school and where we were engaged and subsequently married, circa 1978. For us, it was a wonderful step back in time to observe some “markers” we placed along our road.

We entered the castle-like building where Jackie once resided and then found our way to the adjoining chapel where our nuptials took place.  As we climbed the oak staircase, something began to stir in my heart as tears formed on my eyes.

We entered our private time capsule and sat quietly on the pew with our eyes closed.  I could see the faces of our parents, siblings, and college friends.  I remembered the guitar music playing in the background.  I could see both ministers who married us.  Most importantly, I could see myself standing at the altar watching my bride march toward me. She took my breath away – still does.   It was a blessing to both of us that culminated in a prayer of thanks, a few tears being shed, and a kiss.  I looked toward Jackie seated next to me and reaffirmed my vows to her spoken three plus decades ago – “I Still Do!”

We pondered the many roads of life that we have traveled in the years since.  Although at times it seems like our wedding took place yesterday, much time has passed since it occurred over a Labor Day weekend nearly 35 years ago.  We have had our ups and downs and in betweens.  We gave birth to and raised our family of three wonderful daughters.  We have attended and graduated from The School of Hard Knocks.  We have relocated a few times and are now our enjoying our grandchildren.  We are not the people we were those many years ago and like wine, we have become finer with age.  Jackie is more beautiful than ever and I am still a goof ball and loving it, even though my hair has changed color!

As we made our way to the back of the chapel, I noticed the beautiful oak doors accented with stained glass. Something struck me and it made me think as I asked myself a silent question – “If you knew what was beyond those doors as you left the chapel on your wedding day, would you still walk through?”  The question caught me by surprise and I had to ponder the answer.

None of us of has an exact beat on the future.   There is uncertainty, sometimes much uncertainty – be it entering life as newlyweds or dealing with job loss or a health issue.  Too many of us have endured the fires of love that have been extinguished and the heartache and questions associated with it.  Some of us plan and plan and plan.  We think we have the future nailed down, but we know we really do not.  When things veer off course, we get cranked up, angry, and upset.  Maybe the door you are facing might be a simple act like calling someone to seek or offer forgiveness.

Walking through whatever doors before you requires a dose of faith.  It requires being assured of things we do not necessarily see with our eyes, but we know exist in our hearts.

People come and people go.  The only thing certain is the anchor on which your life rests.  For me, the anchor resides in Christ.  You can choose your own foundation, He is mine.

Getting back to my self- imposed question and answer:

YES, a resounding YES, I would walk through the door once again despite only having a glimpse of what is on the other side!  It has been well worth the adventure.

What doors are you facing that are beckoning you to open them and walk through?