God wanted to make the glorious riches of this secret plan known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory. This is what we preach as we warn and teach every person with all wisdom so that we might present each one mature in Christ. – Colossians 1:27-28

This morning’s post is simple and grateful.

Rebekah and I have been out of town for a few days, and the next few posts will cover some of the family stuff. But for today I want to comment on the wedding we rushed back for Saturday evening.

Our friends Dana and Karen Chipman have three exceptional children. Together they comprise one of the most authentically joyful families we have ever known. This weekend Claire – the middle child – was married at University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill.

The service was a testimony to the centrality of faith in Chipman family life and – immediately after completing their vows and exchanging rings – the first order of business was worship. There was a hymn and then not only communion but the newlyweds, Claire and Mac, standing at the front of the church serving three-hundred people the bread and the wine, one at a time.

For me and for Rebekah, enjoying the privilege of watching children from a family we love grow into the kind of mature faith that not only rings true but reaches out into the lives of other people, it was a deeply profound moment.

That’s all for this morning. May each one of us continue our journey in such a way that – like Dana and Karen’s family – the truth of it, the compelling realness of it all, stands as a living witness to light and life and grace and promise.

The invitation who is Jesus, still active in this world. – DEREK