Don’t Miss This Party
Tonight Psalm 91 is on my mind. I'm at the beach house by myself, working myself into a frenzy as I redecorate for a new business venture in vacation rentalling. Chris, by no means any less busy, is at our mountain house running his feet off in his new venture at Gibbs Gardens. This is our first few days apart since we wed and I am not too bashful to admit he is missing from me.
We have worked our way, with divine help and the faithful encouragement of great friends, to a beautiful place together. We've sorted through all the craziness and complexities that have come with humanness (my term is human-mess) and are choosing to live in the refuge the Lord provides. But I'm thinking refuge is a more vibrant, alive, and ecstatically joyful crowded room than most would consider. His refuge is a party thrown by the Host of Hosts.
When He says, "If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,..I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation! (Psalm 91:14-16 MSG)," He means it. The party the Lord is throwing for Chris and I has begun!
I'm thinking specifically of our anniversary weekend in Savannah when we posed for a picture in front of the Forsyth fountain as it mimicked our heart's dance. And then our Valentine's basketball game where we shared in a joyful Volunteer victory over the Tide.
And finally, an evening spent listening to a live performance of the a cappella Chanticleer at the local university and our nearly speechless awe-struck ride home.
The smile, the laughter, the high-five, the embrace, the shared tear, the gentle reaching hand, the quick quip, the desirous glance: these are the delights of the party-goers. He promised them. He is faithful to do what He says He will do. He delights in us and longs to be our delight, first, and then through others and His work and purpose for us.
I love decorating! I love the idea of creating spaces that will nurture and promote healing. I look for ways to create spaces for connection and solace. There is much I enjoy in furniture shopping and selection and color palettes. Mostly, through those things, I am a husband-helper and a home-builder and a family-nurturer. Although I'm at this particular house party today without my party date (who is my God-ordained handsome groom, aka my Prince Charming), I'm energized to get 'er done and get home to my man. Life with him is one party I don't want to miss.
I'm praying you don't miss your party either. God invites everyone to a party He's throwing just for YOU! There's no need to buy a special outfit or get cleaned up before you come. Come as you are. Come dance with Him. You are loved! All is well.
-Susan (of the Wildflowers)