Kim, Richard, Sharon and Sharon
I don't think there is anything more lovely than the smile on the face of a new bride. Our congratulations to Richard and Sharon who were married on May 28. My wife and I enjoyed being part of their Open House today at New Covenant. The glow on Sharon's face was impossible to miss and lit up the entire room. What a joy it was to be able to celebrate this new beginning with Richard and Sharon as they move forward in their new life together.
Life is meant to be lived looking forward, but sometimes we get stuck in the past. A wound that won't seem to heal, an unforgiving heart, bitterness, hurt, loss, unmet expectations and unexpressed grief can all hold us captive to the past. The loss of a spouse is a very difficult and lonely journey. Sharon has traveresed through the valley of the shadow of death and has successfully come out the other side. Ray gave Sharon a very special gift before he passed away. Ray told Sharon that he wanted her to feel free to find someone she could spend the rest of her life with. Ray's last days were spent looking forward to his eternal home and making arrangements for those he loved. Ray's life was an arrow that pointed people forward to the future, rather than an anchor that held people to the past.
Joseph, at the end of his life, gave instructions that his body was not to be buried in Egypt, but rather his bones were to be carried out when the children of Israel returned to the promised land. Joseph's bones were a symbol of the future, pointing people to the promises that God would one day fulfill.
What are you leaving behind that inspires others to trust God's promises and to move into the future with faith and confidence in God? On this special day, we celebrate with Richard and Sharon and the promise of a new life together. And we also pause to thank God for a faithful husband and friend who always encouraged those he loved to move forward in faith.
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones. Hebrews 11:22
2 comments:
Dear Kim,
John "hooked" me up with your site- awesome! You rival John Fischer in your thoughtful insights about everyday living!
Kim,
This is great! I tell people that more than teaching me how to live, Pastor Ray taught me how to die! I would pray that God would give me the same measure of grace he gave Ray.
Deacon Dave
Post a Comment