Weekend events and life choices

This past weekend was full of excitement and celebration for us. We celebrated with a young couple as they joined together in marriage and we got a puppy. Two totally different occasions, I know, but both life changing. Our friends that got married had a fun and touching ceremony. The bride looked gorgeous in her strapless white gown and yellow shoes and the groom looked dapper in his black tux, yellow tie and white chucks. It was full of their individual personalities. They shared their own written vows; his written on his iphone, hers written on a piece of paper. At the end they danced down the aisle. The reception was full of fun, laughter and lots of food. It was a sweet time of fellowship and joy. My boys had the best time dancing and showing off their moves. One even caught the garter, (help me Jesus, he's only 10)! My daughter enjoyed catching up with friends and planning for her big day (many years down the road, she is 11). It was sweet. I love seeing two people that you know God has brought together, solidify their union before others. It is a wonderful thing to witness.

Now, the puppy. My husband and I have debated about getting a dog for quite some time. We live in an apartment and our living space is already full. But we knew our kids wanted one and felt they were at good ages to accept the responsibility that comes with having a puppy. Last week we actually spent time looking at different breeds on the internet and narrowing it down to ones we thought would work well for us.

At the wedding we had a friend that showed us the most adorable pups. Her dog had pups 6 weeks ago and they had two left. She asked if we wanted one. Hmm...... We talked about it and ended up checking them out that evening. We fell in love with one and decided to have him join our family. He has become a perfect fit. He is getting used to us and we are getting used to him. We are working out his schedule of eating, sleeping, going potty, etc. The kids are loving having him around.

I realize that weddings and puppies are not two things that you would put together. But they both have a profound affect on your life, good or bad. The choice is really yours. Everyday is a decision to honor your spouse, to love, cherish and respect the one you choose to live with for the rest of your life. Every morning you wake up with a choice to prefer your spouse over your self, to give of yourself. You may let them have the last piece of chocolate cake or make sure the coffee is ready before they leave for work. You may make sure the dry cleaning was picked up or the clothes they need are clean, folded and put away. You may make their favorite dinner, bring home their favorite flower or leave a note for them to find during the day. There may a time when you have to choose to say something encouraging or nothing at all. But it is a choice to daily give of yourself.

With our puppy, I have chosen to train him, to feed him, to take him for walks. I have chosen to bring him into our home and make him a part of our family. Taking care of him will be something I do on a daily basis. Loving my husband is something I do on a daily basis. Serving Jesus is something I do on a daily basis. Do you see where I am going with this? There is so much more to life than we realize. So much more to getting married, serving Jesus, having and raising children, getting a pup. There is so much more to getting up everyday and going to work, taking your kids to school, getting coffee at the local coffee shop. There is so much more to getting groceries, going to church, working out at the gym. Our lives are a living testimony of our Savior. Every step we take is ordered by Him, if we let it be. Every breathe we take is ordained by Him. Every thought we think is known by Him. Every deed we do is looked upon by Him.

Life is all about living. It is about waking up each morning and realizing God gave you the day to live. It is about giving, sharing, loving. Life is about choices. Choices that reflect Who we serve. Every decision we make reflects our heart. I pray my choices reflect my Savior. I pray my husband and children, even my pup will see Jesus in me. I pray my friends and those I come in contact with daily see Jesus in me. That is my hearts desire.

So today as you live the life God has given you; I pray you will take a bigger step, breathe a deeper breath and reach out to those around you.