Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3
On Sunday, February 9th 40 couples stood before the altar at TLC and renewed their sacred marriage vows. One of our couples had been married since 1956, two couples had been married less than a year. This was no mere formality. It was a moment to look intimately into the eyes of a life mate, understanding the serious nature of the promises that were made. What does it mean to say that I will stand by your side no matter what life sends our way? What does it mean to say to promise to care for each other in sickness and in health? What does it mean to acknowledge that death will one day part us?
When these vows were exchanged the first time, decades ago in most cases, the horizon of the future seemed to be never ending. The years ahead were more a concept than a reality. The promises were nebulous to say the least, the life experiences of 20-year-olds are so limited that they offer little perspective to the serious nature of sacred vows.
The couples came forward holding each other to remain steady, canes and walkers, a slow gait, labored breathing, some well into their 9th decade of life. They had seen it all, they knew what it was to have little and plenty, they had stood at graveside to say goodbye to dear loved ones, they had raised their children and held newborn grandchildren, disease, dementia, the ravages of aging all too apparent. Given this reality and understanding the challenges that were before them they held hands, tears in their eyes, and promised once again to be faithful and true for the rest of their lives. The vows of this renewal are much more meaningful, much more real than those first vows, vows taken blindly in the naiveté of youth.
The runways of our life are getting shorter. Soon the kids will be off to college, retirement is looming, the seasons are changing. How many more Christmas’ will there be? What will I do with my time?
As a young man I spent many evenings with my father. Sitting in the living room of my childhood home we passed the hours listening to Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Trini Lopez, Dinah Washington, and Dean Martin. It is only in hindsight that I recognize the precious nature of that time. My father died shortly after retiring nearly 30 years ago. The music did not stop for me, but the seasons had undeniably changed.
“But Now the days are short, I’m in the Autumn of the year, and I look at my life as vintage wine, from fine old kegs, from the brim to the dregs it poured sweet and clear, it was a very good year.”
It is in recognizing the brevity of life that we will come to appreciate the blessing of life, the gift of each simple pleasure, of sunrises and sunsets, of tender hugs, shared meals, and the laughter of children. The seasons are changing, the runways are shorter than before, the horizon looms much closer. Make the most of this day, there is no guarantee of another, so let go of painful memories frozen in time, live with no hard feelings, keep your heart open and embrace an attitude of gratitude.
The seasons are changing. One beggar, telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your,
Pastor Jim
Lyrics quoted from “It was a very good year.” Lyrics Ervin Drake
PS: If you would like to respond directly to Pastor Jim, please email [email protected].
