By Shane Kastler
Last weekend, my family and I were in Denton, Texas to celebrate the wedding of Alexandra Umphenour and her fiance Randy Haney. While there, I was reminded of God's amazing works, both big and small. Several years ago, Alexandra was involved in a serious horse accident. The result left doctors uncertain as to whether or not she would live. And IF she lived,whether or not she would ever wake up. Yet, against all odds and by the power of God, Alexandra not only recovered; she went on to graduate from college, find a job in downtown Dallas, and now get married. I was reminded that no matter how massive the obstacle, God outranks all opponents, and His will is going to be done, come what may.
I was also reminded of smaller (yet still amazing) works of God. The morning of the wedding, my wife Erin and I sat in a hotel dining room eating our morning breakfast. An elderly woman and her husband came in and began to gather up their breakfast as well. The husband got a cup of coffee and sat it on a table, then proceeded to the food area; while the wife, moving slowly with a walker, began to gather up her breakfast. As she gingerly made her way to the table area, she sat her food down at the table next to us; which was NOT the same table where her husband's coffee sat. Erin leaned over to me and whispered, “I think that's her husband's coffee over there.” While we weren't 100 percent sure that was her husband, or his coffee; we felt sure enough for my wife to say to her, “Ma'am, I think that's your husband's coffee at that other table.” Her initial surprise turned to joy as she thanked my wife for helping her out. About that time, the husband came over from the food area and confirmed what we expected. And while this was a kind and sweet moment, what happened next made it sweeter all the more.
As the lady was making her way toward the right table; three big, burly oil workers walked over to her as well. They gently took her juice and her plates of food and began carrying them to her table as one of them spoke up and said, “Ma'am, we noticed the same thing; that your husband's' coffee was at the other table.” I told Erin, “I think the entire room is looking out for her.”
The whole scene was a simple, yet profound act of kindness. Brought about by several strangers who were paying enough attention to notice the elderly lady's need. And being bold enough to reach out and offer a helping hand.
My hope for Alexandra is that she will enjoy the days of her youth and continue to grow in her love for the Lord and for Randy; and that Randy will do likewise. Then, in her middle age, she and Randy will be a blessing to those around them who need a helping hand. Then finally, in her elderly years that she will still have a desire to go to the table where she will find her husband's coffee.
Marriage is meant to be a blessing. It is a gift from God, but it requires work. May all who read this rejoice in their marriage and the Lord who provided it. And even more, may you be married unto Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life. Your spouse will never be perfect, but Jesus always is. Trust in Him, follow Him; and fulfill the admonition, “Be ye kind to one another.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Comments