As I have been considering our son’s recent wedding, and everything that led up to it, I have a few thoughts I would like to share with you today.
The Bride in White
Our new daughter-in-law, Crystal looked absolutely stunning in her pure white wedding dress.
Last December, I was part of the group of friends and family that accompanied Crystal to the bridal shop to try on dresses. I can still remember when she shocked the sales associate who was trying to talk Crystal into purchasing a cream-colored version of the dress she eventually chose, as they had cream in stock but would have to order a white one. To the associate’s credit, the cream color complimented my daughter-in-law very well.
I still chuckle when I think about Crystal’s instant response: “I didn’t save myself for 21 years to wear off-white. I’m ordering a white one.”
The sales associate found her voice again and said, “Okay, no problem. White it is.”
Fast forward to this morning.
I was working through a devotional that reminded me of how the body of Christ is to keep herself pure from the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and all the trappings of this world. Christians are reminded over and over in scripture to make sure that our love for our Savior is always first; that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
That He always takes first place in our life.
I had to stop and take an honest look at my own heart…
Are there some things I have let slip that I need to put back in place?
Some areas where I need to prioritize my love for Jesus again?
What about you, dear friend? Do any of those things ring true to your heart today? Are there any small shifts that you need to make to realign your heart back with our Father?
Our True North
The other takeaway I’ve been considering in relation to the wedding is related to the gift that we made for Caleb.
I found a place that makes custom compasses and after prayerful thought and consideration wrote this inscription to be engraved inside the lid:
Caleb,
Always remember where our True North is and His hand will hold you the whole way home.
Love,
Dad, Mom, and Jacob
Not only was this an unmistakable nod to the last line of our deceased son, Jacob’s poem “Holding Me” , but it also was a nod to the song “True North” by Rend Collective.
Referencing both was our way of reminding Caleb that when we’ve allowed our heart to take us away from the narrow path we’re called to follow Christ on, we can always choose to make shifts back to our True North.
He is always there to lead us and guide us all the way home.
On the back of the compass, we added a lion’s head symbol with this scripture:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Together, these remind us that when we make these small shifts to turn our hearts back to God, He will fill us with his spirit, strength, and courage so that our faith will be bold as a lion.
A Challenge and Encouragement
So today, dear friends, I have a challenge for you…and me!
Let’s look at where we need to readjust our path, our minds, and our hearts to the True North. And then—do it!
One small step towards the next right thing, my friend. One day at a time.
And last, an encouraging reminder that our brighter days are coming! Only be strong and courageous, dear ones, so when He returns for us, He finds the bride in white ready for His return.
Let Him find us wholeheartedly in love with Him, expectantly looking forward to our wedding with the great, conquering King Of Kings, and bringing as many others with us as we can.
There’s only one Way to heaven, dear friend and it would be disastrous and even cruel of me if I didn’t share this with you:
He is our only True North in a world of a thousand distractions, side streets, and pitfalls.
Be strong and courageous, dear ones, and hold fast to Him through it all.
He will guide us and His hand will hold us the whole way home.
