Love that lasts a lifetime is a rare gift. Especially in a world where quick fixes often replace long-term commitment, one couple is celebrating being married for 83 years, and it’s a display of unwavering commitment and love that is so rare. We often hear about the honeymoon phase of relationships where everything feels new and exciting, and love seems effortless, but what happens when that feeling fades when the days stretch into decades? True, lasting love is built on more than feelings. It’s rooted in commitment, respect, and faith–just like the beautiful story of Thell and Margie Ellison. 

They stood atop a hill overlooking a creek on June 24, 1941, when they said, “I do.” Little did they know they would be the example of love that impacts future generations. In their early days of marriage, it would’ve been so easy to give up as they lived in a modest log cabin with no running water or power. Margie cooked their meals over a wood stove.  

But their simple life led to a deep, great love they had for each other. The secret to their marriage was treating each other right and loving each other even through the hardest days. 

"We just tried to live right and treat each other right, and love each other," Margie said. "We are so thankful for our children. They were a great blessing, but the main thing is to show respect and love."

This passionate, enduring love led to one of their greatest blessings; besides 83 years of marriage, it was having a family that reaches over three generations. As their church celebrated their anniversary, they captured it on video with the caption: “Together, 107-year-old Thell and 99-year-old Margie raised five children, 15 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 31 great-great-great-grandchildren.”

True love doesn’t come from perfect, and it comes from a heart willing to serve, sacrifice, and choose one another every day. May their love inspire us to love our spouses and families with the same devotion, faith, and hope. 

Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."