Renewal

We often find ourselves reflecting on the larger issues and priorities of our own lives within those moments that we are allowed to celebrate life's milestone events with others. The birth of a child, a graduation ceremony, buying a first home and certainly a marriage ceremony are great examples of life's milestone events. Marriage is so much more than a ceremony or a rite of passage. The marriage covenant reveals who we are, unique children of a loving heavenly Father designed for relationship and purpose. It's a mystery, The Apostle Paul said, but marriage reflects Jesus Christ and his relationship with His church.

As I prepare to celebrate the marriage of Andrew and Julie this weekend, I am thankful for my wife and my children. The family unit is so special and it's the foundation of communities, of cultures, of nations.

During this challenging and rewarding season of church planting (alongside a providential and swelling community of people) this wedding gives me pause. Am I leaving a mark? Am I living by faith or is culture dictating my life? I am inspired to reflect, forget the status quo and renew my life around who God is and who He empowers us to become. I don't want to have regrets. I want to leave a mark and I'll bet you do too.