"Big Time Renewal"

There is something about the freshwinds of the spirit that moves us toward renewal and taking seriously the commitments of our lives. We need to spend some time and reflect on what is really important to us. Such times of evaluation and contemplation, can lead us to re-discover our own purpose in our lives.

I was amazed, refreshed, and uplifted by something I witnessed recently. Vince Skidmore, a former member of the greater Faith family in our church came to me one day asking if he and his wife could come back to Faith and use the facilities for the renewing of their Wedding vows. Vince and Darlene were married at Faith many, many years ago. Vince came with an enthusiasm and excitement. His level of excitement was virtually contagious! He had a date in mind, we looked at the date, and later added it to the church calendar. This was going to be such a special time as he and his wife would renew their Wedding vows in the same place of their marriage. Pastor Calhoun, former pastor of our church, would be coming back to perform the renewal ceremony. Everything was set except one important detail: Darlene didn't know anything about it. In their family, this would be the "secret" of the decade. He wanted this to be a wonderful, wonderful surprise and a great moment in their lives.

Vince checked back with us from time to time and had everything in place. He bought his wife a new dress and all the children were involved in the process. He rented a limo to come to their house on a Tuesday Evening and the limo stopped at our church. Darlene had no idea she was coming to our church and she certaintly had no idea about a renewal ceremony. It was a marvelous surprise! The church was full of family and friends. Everything was in place and every moment was planned. A reception was ready when the service ended in the church fellowship hall. The music began to play and the service began without a hitch. Vince had his guitar and even sang to his bride in the ceremony. They used the lighting of the unity candles to once again symbolize the commitment of their lives. Pastor Calhoun led them in a wonderful service of renewal and re-affirmation of their marriage vows together. After the reception, they left for supper in an Atlanta restaurant. What an Evening and what an experience!

I did not know the family very well and as I was present as a caretaker of the facilities. During the Evening, I was moved by such an act of compassion, love, and diligence. What a wonderful thing took place that Tuesday Evening.

These are days in Lent when even greater contemplation, renewal, and commitments can be made. Maybe it's time to re-evaluate why we do what we do. Maybe we can be led to prayer (talking with God) and ways to let God know just how important he is in our lives.
Get ready for renewal that can grip our lives and strengthen our relationships. There couldn't be a better time for renewal to come than right now!