In an effort to get on the road toward Lake Tahoe where we will spend the week prior to our niece’s wedding on Saturday, I am writing to you this evening with some pre-trip anxiety… not about putting the word out that we are away for a week… we live in the Fort Knox of Canyon Lake… but about being prepared to tie the knot for our niece and her fiancé.  So, consider this a prayer request, too.

My belief about marriage has evolved over the years… 34 years to be exact.  The Bible has become so much more of a consistent message to me and the traditional roles so much more a mystery about loving relationships.  I knew early in our marriage that the traditional roles outlined in Scripture were going to be a little more than challenging to Lisa and me.  So, like most couples who make it, we found what worked for us and we have stuck with the relationship and not so much with the traditional roles.

The Bible’s message is about God’s unconditional love for us… His gracious gift of life and forgiveness at the expense of His beloved Son… and that is the foundation of all good relationships… love… acting in the best interest of the other.  The real challenges come in the command to love our enemies… which, if obeyed, might save a lot of marriages these days!

Please pray for my mind to settle in on an appropriate message for my niece and her fiancé… Sarah and Tyler.  Pray for a creative “knot tying” message that will make them think and laugh out loud!  Interestingly, the traditional vows that I have always used are more about universal love for one another than about roles.

Hmmm, a promise of mutual love and respect in all circumstances… it’s a start.

For His glory,

Pastor Mike