By: Carole L. Haines

¹¹ These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (John 15:11 NASB)

There is an exhilarating newness being in a place one has never been before. I will never forget the first time we walked out onto the ice of Lake Louise in Canada. It was the end of February and our son and his now beloved wife chose this spot as the place to exchange their wedding vows. We parked the car and went through the lovely hotel that sits on the lake accompanied by the local pastor they had chosen to do the ceremony. I just stood spell-bound, in awe of the stark beauty of this frozen wonderland.

People were playing ice hockey, skating, having a wonderful time, even cheering as the beautiful bride came onto the ice and turned to face her soon to be husband. The immense beauty was almost distracting. Standing in one of God’s most glorious marvels, I watched as my youngest son pledged to love, honor and cherish his precious fiancé’ for all of time. It was a marvel indeed. Then we were led into a grand room with all windows overlooking the Lake, we joined the couple in their first meal together as husband and wife.  As I sit here, I call to mind the beauty of that Lake as the sun sets and all the world turns blue. I have never experienced anything quite like it. Lots of laughter accompanied the celebration of their love. I am so overcome with joyful memories of that time and place. God often surprises us with joy in magnificent sunsets, Autum colored vistas, bright moon rises and times of quiet tranquility standing on an ocean shore. Thank You, Jesus, for giving us Yourself, each other, and times such as these to cherish. We are so grateful and in awe of how You weave our lives into a tapestry of beauty. I will close with one of my favorite poems.

The Weaver

My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me,
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.

Oftimes He weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.

Not till the loom in silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

– Author Unknown

God is never an author unknown in our lives, He is the orchestrator of it all and we can rest in His loving capable hands. Lord, surprise us with Your Joy.