Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Over the past eight weeks, our family has celebrated several events of considerable significance. First, my wife had a notable birthday (but one I won’t disclose) as she turned something less than fifty-one years old. Next, our oldest child left behind his teenage years as he reached the big 2-0. But shortly after that, our fifth child entered the teenage world, making us blessed with a teenage son and three(!) teenage daughters. And then came today, the crème de la crème. This particular March 19 marks the 25th anniversary of my marriage. For over half of my life, I have been either dating or married to the same, magnificent person. I can remember as a boy and youth, turning my nose up, much as many youngsters do I dare say, to the married life. But now I awake, and it’s been beside the same lovely angel for a quarter century.
I have mentioned in these devotions from time to time various interactions and situations that have occurred between us two, usually noting my tendency to be a blockhead, lunkhead, or any of the other images you might choose for a bumbling husband who so often blows it. And as I look back over the twenty-five years, I can’t help but see a huge pile of mess that I have been responsible for, a mess that speaks in no uncertain terms of the love, compassion, and patience of my beloved. With each foot that I put in my mouth or each calloused word I send her way, she forgives and forgets and draws even closer to me with a heart only God could have made. To borrow from the classic hymns, I know what amazing grace is, and I know how powerful the blood is. I experience it every day from God by Jesus Christ through my precious wife. She still looks at me as if I was perfect and unblemished, deserving of a place in heaven.
And amazingly so, she’s right. For Jesus has made not just me, but every one of His followers perfect and deserving of a place in the throne room of God. And even as my season of gift-giving continues today, it only serves to remind me of the priceless gift we all have been given. Happy Anniversary, Ashley. I love you. Thank you for my little piece of heaven on earth.
As we seek Him today, give thanks for the good gifts that have come down to you from the One who gives all good things.
Have a memorable Tuesday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
