Reminiscent Night

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a wedding of a friend from my high school days.  His wedding was beautiful and unique.  The wedding was performed with no attendants and in the exact same place as the reception while we were all sitting at the reception tables.  The ceremony was simple, quick, and beautiful.  Afterward, we all were able to enjoy a lovely meal followed by a great time of fellowship and dancing.  I also got to see other friends from my high school days and it was good to see that they are all doing well.

As I thought about past memories of times spent with my friends, I came up with both happy and sad stories.  It is amazing how much simpler those times were.  I remember feeling like I knew everything and yet not worrying about anything.  I knew nothing of paying bills and being careful to stay out of debt.  I had no idea what it took to be married and yet I so desperately sought a mate back then.  I honestly knew nothing about what it meant to truly follow Jesus with all my heart.  The focus of my days was earning money so I could hang out with my friends.  I worried about being accepted, having fun, and hoping I could graduate.

Also as I look back, I remember a dear and loving friend that we all lost along the way.  His name was Daniel Thomas and he died last year, around Christmas time, of liver failure.  As I talked about him with a close friend, who had flown in from Colorado and was staying at my house, we both agreed that Daniel had been a best friend to us all.  Each person in our high school group had loving stories to tell about close friendships shared with Daniel.  Daniel loved each one of us well.  We each felt he was a special and loving friend.

Daniel held a important spot in my heart because he was a pastor's kid like I am.  We were able to talk about our fathers, our beliefs, and our shared experiences.  I remember spending many late hours talking about our passion for God at Denny's restaurant.  I remember when Daniel rode with me all the way to Colorado for a friend's wedding that we were both in.  Daniel had dealt with liver trouble for many years and knew that an untimely death was possible.  We talked about God and death on that long trip to and back home.  Daniel knew who he was in Jesus.  He loved Jesus very much and he inspired me to seek an intimate relationship with Jesus also.

These were a few of the things that were brought to my mind during the wedding last night.  It helped me be able to see who I once was and who I am today.  I was able to gauge if my life has changed any since I was younger.  I was able to give thanks for the many blessings the Lord has placed in my life today like: my wife, continued relationships with my H.S. friends, a steady job, a home, and a close and constantly deepening relationship with my Lord and Savior.

As my wife, friends, and I drank in the love that was shared in the beautiful wedding last night, I felt great joy and thankfulness for where I am today.  I cherished the moments of conversations, shared meals, vows, and dancing together.  As we look back on life, we are able to focus on the things that really matter in this life.  Our Lord is so faithful to bless our life's as we trust in Him daily.  He is constantly working and moving to draw us closer to Him and to transform us in to mature followers of Christ.  It is so important to show you friends and family love by sharing Jesus with them.  There is no greater act of love that can be shared with your loved ones.

A wedding always reminds me of our Savior's beautiful love for us.  He has promised to love those who will trust and put their lives in His hands.  He will always be faithful and kind.  He will be with us in sickness and health, in our ups and downs, and in every situation we encounter in this life.  I hope you will take a look back and see how far you have come in your walk with Jesus today.  Take time to thank Him for all He has done in your life and I hope your love grows ever deeper for Him as you see how loving a Savior and Bridegroom He has been.

Blessings,

Greg