Sunday Mornin' Hope : Did they expire?

by Psalmist on September 10th 2011, 9:15 pm

1Th 5:21 -But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;

On this sobering weekend remembering the tragedy of ten years ago, it's important that we strive to embrace those we love and cherish. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. I haven't attained the level of appreciation that I want to get to, but I'm getting closer.

I took my wife this week to a motorcycle rally near St Louis for the Road Riders For Jesus. It was the "Days of Praise" annual rally. This rally was probably the best motorcycle rally I've ever been to (in 30 plus years of rallies)!! Of course it had all the standard stuff like vendors, loud and lit bikes, great rides, good food and nice camping. But this one rally was set apart in my mind. Everyone was family and went out of their way to do whatever they could for everyone. Everything was organized and alot of fun. There were several good lectures. Being a Christian rally, of course there were outstanding services with great speakers and music. They even let me sit in with a borrowed guitar. But for me the biggest highlight was getting to know the International president and his wife Carl and Sally Crackle. Every organization will take on the style and attitude of its leader. Their hearts have one common mission; embrace and serve one another. If you don't like to be hugged, you wouldn't like this group. Carl and Sally are huggers and will serve you like you're in charge. From the moment we got off the bike everyone was embracing one another. Of course this was wed's and the rally just started. But thurs, and friday it kept on happening. Don't these grown people know they're not supposed to hug more than once a week??? Obviously they did NOT get the memo. Maybe it's possible that these great people have been thru the fire and flood. Maybe they lost friends and family too. When you lose someone you love, everything changes. You either get bitter or better about your life and others around you.

Tonight Patty (my better half) was showing our kids the pictures of the rally and a special moment of a ceremony where we renewed our vows. Judah (our 10 yr old son) asked, "Did they expire?" That one event this week changed my life again. I realized how blessed I have been to have this little lady next to me for over 30 years. She rode with me on my first bike (73 Yamaha 200) even though her mom was against it. Ever since then she's been my only riding partner. As we repeated our vows with Rev Carl Crackle, he got to the part of "in sickness and in health, till death do us part.." and Patty and I started crying. She started it and then I broke loose. Soon those that have known us for some time started to well up also. It's been a hard three year period. But our vows never expired. Today coming home on our 400 mile ride, I got the opportunity to treat her to her favorite restaurant in Spfld, Mo: PAPPY's. It's a little 4 table bbq place that we used to eat at twenty years ago.

In my desk is a marriage certificate that was used some years ago. A friend of mine found this in a abandoned house he was cleaning. All the names and dates were filled in. Across the fine print someone wrote in a bold black marker "I KEPT MY VOWS". Are you keeping your vows to yourself, your spouse, your friends, God? Are you taking the time to embrace those you love? Do you tell them constantly how much you love them and appreciate them? You might rationalize "Oh I did that last week." or "I tried it and nothing." Do it again. Inside they're thinking "I'll give you an hour to quit." Don't let your love expire. Add some more wood to the fire. Don't be afraid to tell someone they're doing a great job (especially your boss). Who knows, you might get a raise or promotion

So, Hold fast to that which is good!! I hope you have a fantastic week. Be sure to pray for the great people in Texas that are suffering from the fires. Ask God to put those fires out. And remember I'm praying for you. Need help? write.

Dino