Invocation and Remarks from Jacob & Sharon Gigl

Dear Joe and Pat, Family and Friends,

I am honored to have been asked to offer the invocation on the special occasion of Joe and Pat’s fiftieth wedding anniversary. Fifty years ago, Sharon and I and others witnessed Joe and Pat make their vows to each other, committing the rest of their lives to each other, until death do them part. We celebrate their covenant on this special day and applaud their commitment to each other and God.

I would like to review some of the challenges they have faced and choices they have made that have brought them into this momentous occasion. This couple has fought the good fight of faith and has been a living example to their children, their family and friends of what is meant by their covenant and their vows. The past fifty years have included many of the difficulties that all marriages experience, challenging their commitment to each other and their covenant. Joe and Pat’s marriage was tested by fire through the traumatic loss of Tracy, the Vietnam war, being away from each other for extended periods of time, moving numerous times and more. The last fifty years have not been easy, but they have built their character, stamina and integrity.

Many other people would have given up but Joe and Pat did the hard work to keep their covenant. They have much to celebrate, along with their family and friends. Now let us give thanks to the Lord.

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Dear Heavenly Father,

We pray that Joe and Pat’s marriage will continue to grow and that you will bless them in every area of their life, physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally and financially.

Most couples say to each other, “I love you.” That comes easy. Marriage says, “Prove it.” We normally don’t know about our spouse’s rough edges or blind spots when we first make that original commitment. We are thankful that Joe and Pat have been used as sandpaper, aligning themselves to be shaped and molded to fit together closely and become one flesh, which is a mystery.

The generational blessings mentioned in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 can and will be instrumental in the lives of their children and their grandchildren. We ask that Pat and Joe will continually sow good seed, which will be a testimony to their family, their friends and the world. Bless them in their sorrows and joy, in life and death. We thank you for their faithfulness to their covenant and to each other and ask that you will bless them and keep them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.