10 days ago I had the opportunity to play a very small role at a celebration gathering, that quite frankly, I wish would happen more often. Chuck Martinez one of the greeters at our church gathered 50 of some of his wife Jeannine’s closest friends to simply give thanks to God and to all of them for their support in the journey they had been on.
Jeanine, two months ago went in for a double-mastectomy, and by God’s grace the surgery was successful. She went in on a Monday, was released on Wednesday and actually attended church that Sunday. Now a surgery of this magnitude is serious however, the weight of this was even more so for Jeannine as she has been battling various forms of cancer over the past five years and there was a sense of finality this time around. In addition this is an extra sensitive matter to Chuck who lost his first wife to cancer.
So on this afternoon it had the flavor of a small wedding. There was a catered meal, a cake, a presenting of gifts to hosts who helped put this party on and even an out of town friend from child hood visiting to share memories of Jeannine. We ate, laughed and simply hung out with the sole purpose to celebrate the fact that Jeannine was here with us. What a great afternoon! I had the privilege of presiding over Chuck and Jeannine’s wedding seven years ago and in many ways this gathering was just as special if not more so.
In Luke 17:11-17 Jesus tells the story of healing ten lepers and how only one returned to give thanks.
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.”
How often do we let these moments of God’s intervention in our lives pass and fail to take the time to reflect and give thanks to God He truly deserves?
Chuck and Jeannine thank you for being like the one who returned to give thanks.
Jeanine, two months ago went in for a double-mastectomy, and by God’s grace the surgery was successful. She went in on a Monday, was released on Wednesday and actually attended church that Sunday. Now a surgery of this magnitude is serious however, the weight of this was even more so for Jeannine as she has been battling various forms of cancer over the past five years and there was a sense of finality this time around. In addition this is an extra sensitive matter to Chuck who lost his first wife to cancer.
So on this afternoon it had the flavor of a small wedding. There was a catered meal, a cake, a presenting of gifts to hosts who helped put this party on and even an out of town friend from child hood visiting to share memories of Jeannine. We ate, laughed and simply hung out with the sole purpose to celebrate the fact that Jeannine was here with us. What a great afternoon! I had the privilege of presiding over Chuck and Jeannine’s wedding seven years ago and in many ways this gathering was just as special if not more so.
In Luke 17:11-17 Jesus tells the story of healing ten lepers and how only one returned to give thanks.
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.”
How often do we let these moments of God’s intervention in our lives pass and fail to take the time to reflect and give thanks to God He truly deserves?
Chuck and Jeannine thank you for being like the one who returned to give thanks.
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