Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Wednesday in the Word.

Isaiah 48:17-18
17 This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
18 If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

The above photos are of my wedding day. Well, except the baby photo, that's my sweet hubby on the day he was born. But the other photos? Our wedding day. You may notice that there are two little boys in tuxedos...two little boys that may look eerily like my own two boys. That's because they are my boys. Our boys. Chris and I had our kids before we were married. Yep, both of them. When we met we fell in love instantly. For real. Love at first sight. It was amazing, really. Something inside of me just knew that he was "the one". And as I would find out soon after we met, he felt the same way.

We were in love.

I didn't have a firm belief in marriage at that time. As a matter of fact, Chris and I had agreed that we didn't even WANT to get married. We figured it was "just a piece of paper"...a formality...and we didn't need it. We were fine just the way we were.

Or so we thought.
Well, about 5 or 6 years later, we found ourselves sitting in a small church downtown...not too far from the bar we'd met at that many years earlier. As we were sitting there the pastor began to give a sermon on the importance of marriage...and commitment...of doing things God's way...and not our own. By the time the sermon was over, Chris and I felt about an inch tall. We scurried out of church...and headed to the park to let the boys play a while. After that sermon...we needed a little fresh air!
As we're sitting there on the park bench watching the boys play, Chris turned to me and said, "We really need to make this right." I asked, "You mean...get married?"
And honestly, by this time, my heart had changed toward marriage. And I was open to it. I actually wanted it. But his feet were still a bit cold. So I didn't push it. I didn't have to. Because God did.
It was decided that day...then and there as the kids slid and swung and laughed and played...that we would get married. And we did.
It was a beautiful wedding...and one of the best days of my life. Of our lives...Chris would tell you the same thing! It was a great day. Our boys stood up for us. They were our "best men" and our ring bearers. It was a small wedding...just family and close friends....lots of kids. It was like a giant family gathering. It was perfect...it really was. Simple. Beautiful. And perfect.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Are you wondering why have I chosen to tell you this story of my life? I guess I just want to share that it's never too late to do the right thing. It's never too late to turn things around. It's never too late to "let go and let God" as they say. God is good. He is the God of second chances...and third chances...and fourth chances...and 185th chances! He is so good. And He does know what's best for us. He really does. He has our best interest at heart, always. It's up to us to trust Him...and know that He knows what He is doing.
And if we live like we believe that...peace will flow like a river.

10 comments:

Nancy said...

Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. You have a great story. Maybe I should share mine sometime.

Unknown said...

Yes, beautiful story, Michelle! God is so good and often speaks to us gently. What a kind and loving Savior! And yes, He is also good to give us many opportunities to walk with Him in obedience! He certainly gave me many! Now that I "get it", I want to obey Him more!

How was class???

Anonymous said...

I so enjoyed reading that and learning just a little more about you. I love that you are so open and honest. You so rock in my world.

remember too 1 Corth 2:9

Sheryl said...

is it possible to like you more than i already did? i think so!! thanks for sharing this. absolutely beautiful!

sarah said...

I am with Sheryl above.. is it possible?

I love getting to know you better. Making a decision like that.. in that timing.. making sure you know and you are ready and it is right, I love how you came to that place together you him and the good Lord above.

Leroy Parker said...

Michelle,
I love your wedding story. I think you were making things right both before and after your marriage.

Thanks

Carolyn

Unknown said...

So true, so incredibly true. Thank you...also, I so love your photo on the side with the bible verse and flowers...did you make it, or find it somewhere?

A Friend Across the Miles said...

Wow. Oh Michelle. What a beautiful love story - of God's love for us, of your love for Chris and your boys and their love for you. Wow.

You are wonderful.

~~Camie~~

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story. What you say is so true. If I didn't believe that I don't think I would even want to get out of bed some mornings. Thank you for sharing this.

Unknown said...

Your wedding really was an amazing day.