Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. – Philippians 2:15-16

Another element of a really great wedding (read yesterday’s “Love Lifted Me“) is the sense that the occasion elevates just about everything. The guests are all beautiful; everyone has great taste in clothes; stories become more engaging and jokes funnier; the food tastes better; people with two left feet can suddenly dance; cute kids shine with even more light… We need a red carpet because the entire gathering is evidently populated with movie stars!

Our almost four-year-old grandson Geoffrey is absolutely nonstop, and impossible to keep up with. I have a lot of experience working with children and the energy level he puts out is something I have not seen before! Running, dancing, playing, talking with everybody.

I do not dance. But who can resist “Dance with me, Grandaddy!”

Generations:

Rebekah’s parents had 10 grandchildren. Three of the first five were in attendance, all of the younger five and three of the five great-grands. I believe the last time all ten were in one photograph was for Andrew and Alicia’s wedding in 2013.

Jordan is the sixth of the grandchildren to marry. Reed, pictured here with his fiancé, Annette, is keeping the ball rolling this coming March.

My point this morning – well, my observation – is that there are two directions any one of us can take, moment by moment, either toward light or backtracking, sliding into darkness. There is this constant motion in our lives, a kind of sliding scale….

There is a lot we can do about this:

• It helps to be turned toward the light, to face our intention toward love, goodness, kindness, grace, promise and more.
• It helps to surround ourselves with people of light.
• It helps to celebrate light and love – as we did at the wedding.
• It helps to be part of communities, such as a church, where we help and encourage one another along the way.
• And it helps to wake up every morning to recommit ourselves to the light, walking with Jesus as our friend and our guide.

“So shine,” the apostle Paul reminded his friends the Philippians, “like stars in the Universe, as you hold onto and hold out the word of life.” – DEREK