Our Vows

Yesterday was a beautiful moment as I watched husbands & wives recommit their lives and marriages to God and to one another. I mentioned how for most of us, when we spoke our vows on our wedding day we really didn't know what we were talking about or committing to. We say for better or worse but we assume it will always be better and never worse. Richer or poorer but we assume richer never poorer. But once some years have passed we realize that it's not one or the other it's actually both. On our wedding day, if someone told us just how hard marriage was going to be we would either think they were lying or run for the hills. But after 16 years of marriage, richer or poorer, sickness or health, and forsaking all others; it's been the most amazing journey in my life. Marriage isn't an event and neither is life. It's a journey. Along the way we learn so much about ourselves, about our spouse, and about a God who loves us more than we could ever know. He is using every relationship, including our marriage, to shape us into the people he longs for us to be.

If you're single, don't be discouraged. Paul tells us in the New Testament that there is nothing wrong with being single. Does God have a marriage partner for you? Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know and neither do you. But instead of focusing on finding your soul-mate, why not focus on knowing the creator of your soul. If your affection and attention are focused on God, you might just look up one day and realize he's brought someone into your life as a reward for your faithfulness to him.

Well, the Christmas season is upon us. Starting next Sunday we will start our holiday series entitled "Christmas Is For-Giving". Jesus was born in the manger for a purpose; to ultimately be our avenue for forgiveness. In the series we will talk about how to forgive others, ask for forgiveness, and also about how to forgive ourselves. I'm looking forward to the weeks that remain in 2010!

Have a GREAT week!