“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the House of the Lord Forever” Psalm 23:6

It was a warm spring evening as I drove my girlfriend of just twelve weeks to dinner. Yet this was no ordinary dinner and I had an extraordinary case of nervous energy. As we headed to a little crab shack near the pacific ocean I had one eye on the evening sky and another on my watch. I knew the exact time when the sun would disappear into the sea and we had just enough time for dinner if we were sat immediately and didn’t dally too long over menu selections. My girlfriend could tell that I was nervous, but it wasn’t until later when we sat together on the sand and I pulled out the ring as the sun was setting that she figured out why.  

Forevers Are Worth Waiting For

Over the past 34 years my wife Gretchen and I have talked about our engagement day often. So many have asked how did we know that we were God’s plan for each other. I’m not sure how to explain the times we spent in prayer, both together and alone. How I had never once questioned God leading me to Gretchen. How I knew God had a plan. For me it’s all about living out the promise given in Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” “Surely” is an unambiguous, definitive word beholding a promise of goodness and mercy that SHALL (another unambiguous promise) be with us if we trust God and follow His will. Then we get to that powerful word Forever. I viewed my marriage as a marriage extending beyond this lifetime. Jesus said, store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven. As I sat on the sand that day I remember thinking, Lord, what can Gretchen and I do in this lifetime for You that will extend beyond to a thousand lifetimes. Who will we touch, who will we serve, and as a result who will we see standing next to your throne in heaven because we walked this earth together living out your will. Contrary to what your life circumstances may lead you to believe, it’s never too late to start your “forever” journey. Whether you have five minutes or fifty years left on this earth, Simply say yes to God and His promises for your life. God will bless you and use you for His Glory!