Posted by Matt Markins in This past weekend we went home to celebrate my parent’s 25th wedding anniversary (Mom & Mike, my step father). It was a total surprise to them and a lot of fun planning for my brothers and our wives.
Something occurred to me while we were in Indiana; the power of how one man’s decisions can change the future of an entire family tree. You see, when my stepfather was a young man, he faced a time when he was at the bottom of the barrel and even attempted to take his own life. God had other plans. Through His amazing grace He brought Mike into a saving relationship with Him. Since then, God has created legacy of Christian faith and heritage in our family.
You see, when I was about 3 or 4 my mother and father were headed to divorce court. After this devastating time of trial, God showed his grace to me and my brothers through an amazing display of His divine providence. He placed Mike into the path of my mother (through a talk radio show of all things!).
Soon after the divorce, they met, fell in love, and got married. Although this transition was very difficult for all of us, I will be eternally grateful for Mike entering into my life. Again, Mike was a somewhat new believer in Christ, so he made sure that our family went to church. Through this, both of my brothers and I were raised in church. Each of us was introduced into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ while in their home.
I’ll be honest, the growing up years were tough; dealing with divorce, getting along with two different father figures in my life, and all of the other stuff that goes along with being a part of a blended family. However, the one thing that kept re-occurring to me this weekend was “what if after the divorce, my mom would have met a man who didn’t love God and who didn’t go to church?” Where would I be today? Where would my brothers be? Who knows…But what I do know is that Mom and Mike consistently attended church and exposed us to a life with God.
That is the best gift my parents could have ever given me. Happy Anniversary Mom and Mike. I wish you many more happy years together.
Check out the next post to see one more reason why Mike’s decision to love God has had such an impact on the next two generations.
Hey Matt,
This is so cool. I check this out every now and again and it’s amazing to think about Mike’s impact on the Watson/Markins family!
Another realization I just had is that we were both in Indiana at the same time in February! My grandma died and I came home for the funeral in the middle of February! It would have been great to see you guys.
Maybe next time…
God Bless!