We boarded the ferry with excitement and anticipation as we headed back to our Honeymoon location – Mackinac Island, Michigan. Twenty years of marriage and four children had passed since we last visited the island together as a young couple. Mackinac Island, located between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, is a unique and charming vacation destination. It’s like going back in time, since no cars are allowed on the tiny island. Transportation is done only via horse and carriage or bicycles. Â
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Mackinac Island is also known for its smells, and I’m not referring to the horses, but I could be. The wonderful aroma that fills the air and captures your nose and your sweet tooth is from the world-famous fudge shops that line main street – this part of our trip excited Kristen maybe more than any other part - ha. But what thrilled me more than anything was the fact we brought our own bikes.  The thought of not having to rent junky old bikes with a 2-hour time limit was awesome and I couldn’t wait to venture out and see the island in all its beauty. After doing the normal tourist ride around the island, we enjoyed our first round of fudge along with a little tourist shopping.  We were quickly back on the bikes and on a new adventure, only this time we were headed to the center of the island - we’d never discovered this part of Island before. We peddled past historic homes, beautiful horse stables and even an airport – I said cars were not allowed, but I guess planes are ok.Â
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We quickly discovered some off-road trails and I was anxious to show off my skills to my bride on our anniversary. I thought to myself, ‘I’ve still got it, I haven’t lost a thing, look at me impress my wife’. Well, they say pride goes before a fall. And I fell. As I was coming down a hill, my front tire suddenly turned the wrong way in the loose gravel and I flipped over the handlebars, crashing to the ground – in full view of Kristen.   I got up and tried to play it off like Mr. Tough Guy. Kristen ran over with concern, but quickly started laughing when she realized I was ok. Ouch! I was now hurting inside and out.  We headed back to our hotel room to bandage some cuts and scrapes. Later, Kristen bought me a T-shirt that read ‘I do all my own stunts’ with a picture of a guy falling off his bike. I guess I am not the only one who did that.Â
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What a crazy 20th Anniversary trip it had been – nothing like we planned or hoped – as Kristen’s bike was later stolen, or borrowed, but I’ll save that for another time. As we look back and reflect, we both laugh and agree we wouldn’t change a thing from that day or our marriage.   Marriage is a lot like our day at Mackinac Island. At times we are going to fall and get hurt or hurt our spouse, but we must get back up and keep riding – asking for forgiveness and giving grace freely. Other times are sweeter - filled with fudge, shopping and laughter. Wherever you are in your marriage, keep peddling, keep loving and laughing and most importantly… never give up.Â
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Philippians 3:14 ~ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.