Bride

Leah and I have been married for over 31 years. She is my bride.

Now, I could go into a long list of reasons why I love her, respect her, and am attracted to her, but it's not needed and most likely would not be entirely appropriate.

I'm thinking from a different angle. Imagine a really stupid person coming to me to complain about her. They might have their list of things that bug them about my wife and why they are unhappy with her.  That would be a stupid person (I'm sure the word stupid is somehow not p.c. and offensive - but it fits).

I am honest enough to admit that my wife is not flawless, but you can't unjustly criticize her - I chose her. It was a good choice that, given the opportunity, would be made again without hesitation!

If we can imagine why I would stick up for my bride, why would we not assume that Christ would to the same?  He chose her. He gave his life for her. He promised to return for her. He wrote his eternity to include her.

I think we should be careful how we talk about her.

I think we should be sure not to ignore her.

I think we should be part of her and let him prepare us for himself.

Jesus is better at sticking up for his bride than I am mine.  I'd give my life for mine, he already did. I'd get mad if you complained about mine, I wonder if he does too…

Husband and Bride,
Dave

 

I sat in the Flint airport listening to the repeated announcement about not letting someone put anything in your baggage and not smoking. Note - Repeated.

A different voice came on the intercom and said, "Tracy, Paul would like to ask you to homecoming. He would like you to text him with your answer."

As I sat thinking there are ladies that would find that romantic or original, but I'm sure there are many who think the guy's a punk.

The truth is; it matters not one molecule what we think. What matters is what Tracy thought.

Then it hit me. I'll never know! I didn't see a young girl giggle and grab her phone.  I'm never going to know if Paul and Tracy are going to homecoming!

The public announcement forced me into the edge of their private world without letting me know the rest of the story.  I wanted a follow-up announcement. "Security, please remove the crying boy from the ticketing area."  Or, "Congratulations Tracy and Paul!"

I was forced to use my imagination. I laughed at the thought that Tracy's Dad was there seeing his daughter off… then met Paul in the parking lot. Backfire.  Medic! It's not good when I'm left to my imagination.

I decided it's not healthy for me to know part of the story. God's inviting you.  Say yes!

Enjoy the love of God today. He wants to spend time with you.  He wants to know you and he wants you to know him.

That story is in your hands.

Pastor Dave