Is this a normal day for you?

Dear Friends,

Is this a normal day for you?

As I write this I am sitting in an uncomfortable plastic chair at a small Peugeot dealer, waiting for my car to be repaired. Nothing special, just a routine task I need to get behind me so that I can move on to more important things.

But this is not a normal day for me. Twenty years ago today I walked down an aisle in a big stone church in Germany, and pledged my love to a beautiful woman named Connie. So as I wait for my car to be finished, I’m thinking about what kind of flowers I am going to buy on the way home, and looking forward to a romantic dinner out together.

More than anything I’m filled with gratefulness. I asked a group of university students last night to imagine the best they could experience in a marriage relationship – and then told them it could be even better. I thought marriage was great the first year, but it became better the second, and even richer the third. Love has a way of surprising us. If tended it just keeps growing richer and deeper. I can’t imagine what the next 20 years are going to hold.

I’ve known Jesus for even longer – 38 years now. After a couple years of walking with Him I thought I had the basics down. But even this last year He has shown me new aspects of his power and love, and my deep need for him. Those who have known him much longer than I have told me it just keeps growing richer and deeper. I can’t imagine what the next thousand years are going to hold.

We all need an excuse to get our attention off uncomfortable plastic chairs and dysfunctional cars to the bigger story behind it all. To be overwhelmed with gratefulness for what we have and filled with anticipation for what is ahead.

More than anything else, this is what gives meaning to the “normal” day.

Dave Patty
President, Josiah Venture