50 Years and a Party

Scripture

 He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: ‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, “Go”, and he goes; and that one, “Come”, and he comes. I say to my servant, “Do this”, and he does it.’ (Luke 7:6-8NIVUK)

50 Years and A Party

On Saturday, under a wonderfully decorated tent, our kids hosted a garden party to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. The actual date was in July but the weather was as hot as any July day. Surrounded by family and friends we celebrated the grace of God in good times and bad, joyful times and sad.

Yesterday I meditated about a happy story where the healing result came from Jesus – but without direct conversation with the supplicant. First the centurion sent local religious leaders and then as Jesus approached his house he sent friends. He felt unworthy to invite Jesus into his home or even to meet with him on the street.

The friends who surrounded us on Saturday played a similar role over the years. When we could not or would not express ourselves to the Father, they did it for us. When we felt unworthy to invite God into our home our friends reminded us of God’s unfailing generosity and welcome.

The cover of one of the cards we received said “A walk down the aisle is easy”. The rest of life can be a challenge, but our good fortune has been to have faithful and good people support and care for us through the twists and turns. For this we give thanks.

 A Prayer for Today

O God, milestones in life remind us of the many ways you have led and guided us through dark times and light, through failures and successes, joys and sorrows. Your presence is real but even made more real by the presence of your friends along the way. We give thanks for this   …. For Jesus’ sake