Do you want to see two people in love? Just look at this picture of Steve and me that was taken just this week. It is one of my favorites. And you know what? I am as happy as I look! I know I’m silly but I love being married to him! We had a wonderful week together filled with beautiful events and great friends.
At the end of the week, we attended the induction of one of Steve’s close friends, Pastor Miller Johnson, into the Beverly Hills High School Hall of Fame. Alan Nierob also attended with his incredible wife Tobi as well as Brad Turrel, Leeza Gibbons, and her husband Steve Fenton (he hosted it), and many of their high school friends. Since I never went to public school, I was able to experience the beautiful camaraderie they have had with one another over the years. One thing I saw more than anything is how sports shaped their lives. They learned the importance of teamwork and how dedication builds self-worth. (I am going to tell all of my children they need to get their kids into sports!) There were so many amazing people in that room!!! We were all sitting around the table remarking how important long-time friendships were but stated the ultimate and most important friendship is the one we have had with our spouses.💖 We all spoke about how most relationships are filled with unexpected turns and a few detours, but you know what? We all learned that every challenge is filled with blessings geared toward helping us grow.
In our marriages, we have learned to buckle up for the ride and hang on to each other. The greatest miracle of Steve’s and my lives were finding each other again, which truly was a miracle! And that is the ultimate pattern of a loving Heavenly Father—another chance. Heavenly Father is all about second chances and it’s never ever too late. Remember the laborers in the vineyard? (Matthew 20: 1-7) The one who worked all day was paid the same as the one who hopped in on the night shift. I’ve pondered about this parable a lot this week and since these stories can have many meanings, I thought I'd share the thoughts about it that came to me the most.
At this point in my life, I think the Vineyard is symbolic of “giving our heart to God”. He didn’t care about the work they might have done, He cared that they gathered in the Vineyard for the work. Heavenly Father was paying everyone the same regardless of how long they worked in the Vineyard. It doesn’t matter when someone comes to the Lord, it just matters that they COME to the Lord. I know so many who have waited outside “the Vineyard” because they thought it was too late for them. But it’s never too late.
It’s not too late to be happy, to change, and to learn. It’s just not ever too late. Our God will always be there to give us another chance, or a million chances if that’s what we need…He will never give up on us.
And we shouldn’t give up on each other, ourselves, and especially on God’s love for us.
#Sundaymessage