Last week the speech Martin Luther King delivered on the night before his assassination in April,1968, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” was talked about. In this speech he talks about the mountaintop and the peaks and valleys of life. All our lives have peaks and valleys and I was reminded of that this week when we celebrated a wedding. Our Grandson and our new Granddaughter were married on Friday. On Thursday was our Son and Daughter-in-law’s 32nd Anniversary. Earlier this month, on the 2nd of August our Daughter and Son-in-Law celebrated their 34th Anniversary. On Saturday was our 62nd Anniversary. Last week I was in a valley in my life. Faced with indecision (did you know that if we are undecided about something long enough it becomes a decision?) I was in a place of sadness but with the help of God and the prayers of his angels I was lifted up. Then came Friday and the joy and happiness of a wedding. This wedding was no solemn event, but one filled with the happiness of the Bride and Groom and was a fun affair with surprises that included dancing dinosaurs and ice sculptures on every table, music and dancing and great food, and a time honoring the anniversaries of the guests. Our 62 years beat everybody else. Our Great Grandsons were at the wedding and the presence of them and my grandchildren and children filled me with joy and happiness. I was on the mountaintop and so happy. I didn’t just see the promised land I was in the promised land. God has given me so much, how can I be sad? God doesn’t promise longevity, but he does promise to be with us every step of the way, no matter how rough the journey. He is a faithful and loving God. This last Sunday Rev. Regan spoke of Grace Amazing and to me the most amazing thing about God’s grace is that God loved us before we were formed and loves us every day of our lives even those times when we turn away and forget to trust. Jesus first miracle was at a wedding. Jesus has “saved the best till now.”
John 2:3-11 When the wine was gone. Jesus Mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” His Mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing., each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water” so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the Banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said. “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their Faith in him.
Jesus, we thank you for those times in our lives when we know you are with us, for the peaks and valleys. Be with those who are grieving, those who are ill, those who are facing decisions, may they all feel you beside them, lifting them up. Be with our Pastor and our Staff and Leaders, give them strength and peace for the tasks before them. Be with our country Lord that we may be truly united, caring and loving each other. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen
Grace Epperson