Things to mark life by.

You may notice that I made no special blogging attempt during the New Year. No resolutions, no inspirational messages heralding the next 365 days of our lives, no special video production, nada, zilch, nothing. In the past, I have made a big deal about the new year, but oddly enough I was not inspired particularly to do so this time around.

Please understand, I certainly do see the merit in such things- the new year is a great way to get a fresh start and help facilitate 'reorientation' of one's perspective on life. As a Christian, it can be a wonderful opportunity to focus one's walk with the Lord and commit towards further excellence in faith an almighty God. I have definitely experienced these blessings in the past and am thankful to God for them.

The thing is, this year is different because my life is being marked by a greater event- the beginning of my marriage. With marriage on the horizon most everything else seems to pale in comparison. The patient expectation of marriage companionship is drawing near. During this time I find myself reminded of a THE everlasting covenant that supersedes all covenants- the promise of eternal life through THE bridegroom, Jesus Christ. What an awesome and wonderful thing our Lord has done- he's taken a wretched bride, His church (read here as you and me!) and made her beautiful through His own divinely ordained, sanctifying process. I can think of no better way to mark the new year, then by the event of my own wedding. What an excellent, two-fold reminder God gives us through the anniversaries and occasions of weddings. It is my prayer that on these special days I would always remember that 1) I have been blessed beyond measure by a beautiful, intelligent, God-centered woman and 2) I have been even further blessed beyond deserving by a Savior that provided a means of redemption for a dirty, sinful creature like myself.

All this to say- events are great, holidays are wonderful, resolutions are grand, but... realistic appreciation of the relationships God has placed in your life and a commitment towards deepening those relationships is, in my opinion, the best. Whatever event you mark your life by, be it the New Year, a wedding, or something else, it is my prayer that you keep it centered on the one thing that truly matters most- Christ.

"Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD." -Psalm 31:23-24