For years Kyle (my first-born son) and I have talked about that moment when he drives away with his bride. There were many tearful times when he wondered how that would ever happen. But Saturday afternoon it did.
When Kyle drove away with his bride I had a intense within that nearly made my heart burst with joy. Kyle and I have used a little hand gesture for many, many years to say good-bye. He looked over to me as he accelerated away and flashed that little sign. I watched the car until it went out of sight choking back tears of joy.
It did seem that it was only a short time ago I drove away from the church with my bride. Then it was just yesterday that we brought him home and set together and wept at the wonder of having a son. Now he has plunged fully into the mystery and wonder and joy of marriage with Elizabeth.
They are obviously deeply in love with each other. This morning they leave for a honeymoon in the Caribbean. God is good. He was so very good to Lois and I, two very undeserving sinners, to gift us with such a fine son and to fill our lives with such joy for these past twenty-five years. I find my heart praying this morning for Kyle and Elizabeth to know that same love.
Before the honeymoon Kyle and I were talking and he said, “I can’t believe that after Saturday Elizabeth and I are going to have eleven strait days jus the two of us together. I am so tired of always having to say good-bye to her.”
Reflecting on the moment Kyle swept his new bride into the car are whisked her away gave me a deeper sense of awe at the thought of Christ’s return for His bride, the church. How we should long for that moment when he sweeps us out of this sin-broken world into a place where we will never be separated from Him.
I am asking God this morning to give me a deeper experience of thrilling love for Him, like a bride who looks forward to a lifetime of intimate communion with her husband, I want to look forward to an eternity of unbroken fellowship with Christ.
Ken Pierpont
Riverfront Character Inn
Flint, Michigan
June 13, 2005