to keep my eyes on the door.

Today I choose to keep my eyes on the entrance door.

I remember the day I got married. I had just turned 20 and I was all dressed, waiting in Pastor Johnson’s study for the wedding to start. I began to fidget, but I was excited to see my bride, Joyce. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Pastor Johnson looked at me and asked, “Are you ready?”  He opened the door and we walked into the sanctuary and took our places in the front of the church. The music started and the ushers brought in the grandparents. I was so proud. Then my parents. Then the bride’s mother. The bridesmaids, Linda and Mary, were followed by Becca, Joyce’s sister. Then my little sister, Sara (5 years old), followed them,  throwing flower pedals on the floor as she came. The organ started to play the wedding song and then the doors opened and I heard a gasp. There in the entrance way was the most beautiful woman in the world. As she walked arm in arm with her dad, all I could think of was “wow!!”  As she got closer and closer I could see her beautiful smile through the veil and she was looking at me. Pastor Johnson asked, “Who gives this woman to this man?” Her father replied, “Her mother and I do.” He gave her to me, the pastor prayed and then told everyone to be seated. All I can really remember as I look back on that day is that I had in my arms the most beautiful woman in the world and she was now my wife.

Saturday night, Joyce and I went to Catawba College to watch our grandson, Preston’s, football game.  Mike and Abbey, our son-in-law and daughter, and our youngest grandson, David, all sat together. As I sat there, I realized that I have everything I need to finish the race of this life before me – my family and the Lord.  I thank the Lord for my wife, Joyce, our children, and grandchildren. I praise Him for all the wonderful things He has allowed us to do, but the older I get, the more I realize the importance of the marriage vows I took 47 years ago. Those vows keep my life in order.  In the same way, I need to “keep my heart focused and look for His return,”  keeping  my eyes on the entrance door waiting for Him to enter!

Acts 20 :24 ” But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it to finish the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”

“Lord, help me to stay focused on you.”

Smile, God loves you and so do I.

Today I choose to keep eyes my on the door!