Some Thoughts

Camie and I finally took the plunge last Saturday – getting legally married after seven and a half years together.  What a fun day it was!  Because we have been together for so long, and have a child together, we both felt like getting married was more of a celebration of our current relationship than a new beginning.  We made a life-long commitment to each other long ago, but it was wonderful to celebrate that commitment with our family and close friends.  Words cannot describe the overwhelming joy that we felt being with the people we treasure most in our lives.  Ours is not a “traditional” marriage, but we have received nothing but words of support and congratulations from everyone we know, and for that we are extremely thankful.  How wonderful it is to be surrounded by so much love.  Thank you.

“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these if love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13

During our high school confirmation class last Sunday, we had a wonderful discussion about truth and honesty.  The worship services we will lead on November 16 will address this topic, so we thought it would be a good idea to start thinking about it now!

It did not take long for our discussion to focus on being honest and truthful with ourselves.  For how can we expect to be honest in our other relationships if we can’t do it with ourselves?  We realized, though, that it is easier said than done.  How many times do we put on a mask that hides our real self?  It could be a mask of joy when we’re in pain, of confidence when we’re scared, of direction when we’re feeling lost . . . whatever it is, it’s so easy to lose our true selves while trying to be someone else.  It makes me think back to my very first post back in February – how do we know and remain true to our authentic selves?

Take some time to think about the masks you wear, and why you wear them.  Then try spending some time – a day, a week – without the masks.  How does it feel?  God already knows and loves our true selves, without our masks.  May we love ourselves the same way God loves us.

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me.”  Psalm 139:1

My son, Ben, is now almost 17 months old and a ball of energy.  He is rarely either still or quiet – preferring to be on the move and constantly talking (in a language that usually only he can understand.)  There is one time during the day, though, when Ben is both still and quiet – when we say grace before dinner.  Before we eat, Camie and I tell Ben we are going to pray, and he immediately stops what he is doing, reaches out for our hands, and sits quietly while we say the prayer.  As soon as we say “Amen,” he lets go of our hands, claps (my favorite part), and goes on about his business.  It is such a wonderful family moment, one that I treasure each night.

What “family moments” are important to you?  (Remember, “family” can be defined several ways – your blood family, church family, school family, family of friends, etc.)  What rituals or traditions have special meaning?  When do you find time to embrace simply being together with your family, without having a specific agenda?  Where and when do you notice the presence of God in your family moments?

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1