You, Me and Us
Title: You, Me and Us
Category: Devotion
Subject: Unity
You, Me and Us
Today as I sit on my deck, drinking my coffee and thinking about what God would have me share this week, a cool autumn breeze rustles through the trees, reminding me that it's a new day. Summer has moved on for another year. Many of the leaves have begun to change color. There's a briskness in the air, as well as anticipation for the coming seasons in which we give thanks and honor the birth of our Savior. And though I have experienced this many times before, today's different.
The last forty-eight hours have brought a tremendous change in Clan Graham. For many years my house has been a male stronghold, dominated by the three men who have lived within these walls. Don't feel sorry for the women, mind you. They have more than held their ground. But on Saturday, October 7, 2006, at just about 6:30 in the evening of a beautiful fall day, Lady Jenna officially entered our family as she and my son, Chase, were wed. (She had long ago entered our hearts.)
Everything about the weekend was the stuff wonderful memories are made of. The wedding was held in Jenna's family's backyard and it was perfect. The bridesmaids were beautiful, the groomsmen were handsome. They all looked so grown up. Then there were all the rest of the family and friends, many of whom had traveled great distances to share this special time with us. And while there are far too many memories to share here, there is one in particular that stands out.
At the reception that followed, Ran Vosler, Jenna's dad, stood before the assembled crowd and gave his toast to the happy couple. But it wasn't a typical toast. It was a rhyme, a long and very meaningful one. And while I could never do it justice here, I do want to share in my poor paraphrase its theme.
There is a time in a couple's journey when friendship and affection are accompanied by deep commitment and love. And at this very special time there are no longer two, but three. The third is not God, for He was always there...guiding, nudging, protecting and loving the way only He can do. No, this addition is different. For each of them, no longer is it merely "You and Me". Now it is "Us".
I've thought a lot about Ran''s words, not only in the context of the new life Chase and Jenna have begun, but also in terms of the rest of "Us"-you, me, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't these words about marriage also apply to "Us" as well? When we became Christians, we didn't join a club, but a family. There were commitments to be made. Becoming a part of the family of God is more than filling out an application, attending a class, moving a letter, or walking an aisle. There are commitments. First to God, and then one we sometimes forget along the Way.
Love one another. (John 13:34b) ...encourage one another and build each other up... (1 Thessalonians 5:11a) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Throughout the Body of Christ, it is no longer You or Me...it's Us. And by the love and commitment we have for each other, people will see something different from the rest of the world! They will see Jesus!
With that and a heart full of memories, I give you this blessing I shared with my son and new daughter.
May you have Walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks bedside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your hearts may desire.
Beannachd Dia dhuit
(Blessings of God be with you)
Take care and be God's,
Chuck
Ciloa ... Encouraging one another as long as it is called Today!
Ciloa is a registered trademark of Ciloa, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
A Note of Encouragement is a copyright interest held by Ciloa, Inc.
Today as I sit on my deck, drinking my coffee and thinking about what God would have me share this week, a cool autumn breeze rustles through the trees, reminding me that it's a new day. Summer has moved on for another year. Many of the leaves have begun to change color. There's a briskness in the air, as well as anticipation for the coming seasons in which we give thanks and honor the birth of our Savior. And though I have experienced this many times before, today's different.
The last forty-eight hours have brought a tremendous change in Clan Graham. For many years my house has been a male stronghold, dominated by the three men who have lived within these walls. Don't feel sorry for the women, mind you. They have more than held their ground. But on Saturday, October 7, 2006, at just about 6:30 in the evening of a beautiful fall day, Lady Jenna officially entered our family as she and my son, Chase, were wed. (She had long ago entered our hearts.)
Everything about the weekend was the stuff wonderful memories are made of. The wedding was held in Jenna's family's backyard and it was perfect. The bridesmaids were beautiful, the groomsmen were handsome. They all looked so grown up. Then there were all the rest of the family and friends, many of whom had traveled great distances to share this special time with us. And while there are far too many memories to share here, there is one in particular that stands out.
At the reception that followed, Ran Vosler, Jenna's dad, stood before the assembled crowd and gave his toast to the happy couple. But it wasn't a typical toast. It was a rhyme, a long and very meaningful one. And while I could never do it justice here, I do want to share in my poor paraphrase its theme.
There is a time in a couple's journey when friendship and affection are accompanied by deep commitment and love. And at this very special time there are no longer two, but three. The third is not God, for He was always there...guiding, nudging, protecting and loving the way only He can do. No, this addition is different. For each of them, no longer is it merely "You and Me". Now it is "Us".
I've thought a lot about Ran''s words, not only in the context of the new life Chase and Jenna have begun, but also in terms of the rest of "Us"-you, me, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't these words about marriage also apply to "Us" as well? When we became Christians, we didn't join a club, but a family. There were commitments to be made. Becoming a part of the family of God is more than filling out an application, attending a class, moving a letter, or walking an aisle. There are commitments. First to God, and then one we sometimes forget along the Way.
Love one another. (John 13:34b) ...encourage one another and build each other up... (1 Thessalonians 5:11a) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Throughout the Body of Christ, it is no longer You or Me...it's Us. And by the love and commitment we have for each other, people will see something different from the rest of the world! They will see Jesus!
With that and a heart full of memories, I give you this blessing I shared with my son and new daughter.
May you have Walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks bedside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your hearts may desire.
Beannachd Dia dhuit
(Blessings of God be with you)
Take care and be God's,
Chuck
Ciloa ... Encouraging one another as long as it is called Today!
Ciloa is a registered trademark of Ciloa, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
A Note of Encouragement is a copyright interest held by Ciloa, Inc.