Vapors

There's a secret some people have been keeping from me... I normally think that's not cool... but this time... it is. God's plan for marriage is really awesome. I say that because last weekend Kimberly and I celebrated our 16th anniversary. I'm calling it our sweet 16. Permanency of marriage, especially these days, is way undersold. We've had dark hours - but it is just really worth hanging on. A bunch of people know that secret - they just don't get very much air time these days of no fault divorce options.
So we are on our way home from a night away. I pulled our clunky van into the same turn lane on 31 I frequently use... we are sitting waiting on that stupid long light - just chatting away, reflecting on the 1 billion to do items on our house, talking about running by the house, then squeezing in Menards on the way to meet friends for late lunch... and then POW! It couldn't have lasted more than a second or two, and yet it seemed to last for ever. In the other lane, separated only by a guardrail, an oncoming suv hit a car and became airborne. I remember leaning away from my window as the suv literally flew (not slid) on it's side by us! I thought it was going to join us in the van... and there was only time to lean toward my sweetie... and that's it. God blessed us - it missed us and landed behind us in our lane on it's side. We ran to help, from instinct... I dreaded what we would find. Thankfully, everyone was ok.
In reflection, I'm glad my kids were not there and would rather Kimberly be home away from any danger, and yet there was a special comfort that our sweet 16 meant more than it ever has to me. And yet, isn't our walk with God like that too. During the ups and downs we seldom just peel back the things that really do not matter to focus on the things that do? Isn't that kindof what we should do when we worship?
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:13-14).
Is Jesus truly your Rock? Perhaps you are climbing on a pseudo rock that vanishes. Jobs come and go... bodies grow old, achy and saggy. Gotta have techno wonders will be dethroned next week by something more wonderful. If married, don't undersell the strength of long term marriage, even if it doesn't seem possible right now.Men, don't settle for the idea that beauty is only skin deep - and ladies, give up on the fairy tell that a true prince doesn't pass gas. Don't assume anyone will be there later... life is a mist - they might not be.  It will change one's attitude. For those looking to get married... pay attention. There are some worthwhile secrets out there.

Take refuge in Christ the Rock, be reinforced by Christians, and get busy rescuing others.