“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (Jesus as recorded in John 10:10).
This past Saturday, I had the privilege of attending—and taking part in—the wedding of a young woman I have come to think of as a friend, and perhaps a little bit like a niece. She met a wonderful man, and together they stood before God, family, and friends and made promises about the life they will share. Then yesterday, I had the honor of returning to a previous church family to celebrate 100 years of ministry and service in their current sanctuary.
As I watched both events unfold, one beginning a new chapter and the other continuing an old one, one phrase kept coming to mind: abundant life.
Jesus’ words in John 10:10 about abundant (full) living are often heard as a promise of happiness and success. But I think the abundance Jesus describes is something deeper. Happiness and success, as the world defines them, are temporary and elusive. Jesus is speaking of a full life that lasts a lifetime, and that leads us into the eternity he has prepared for us. It’s a life filled with love, grace, forgiveness, courage, faithfulness, laughter, tears, challenges, surprises, and, most importantly, God’s presence through it all.
I pray all these things for this young couple and this established, faithful congregation … and also for each of us. This world, and our homes and churches, would be better places if we practiced grace more freely. If we chose love again and again over division and anger. If we laughed more often, forgave more quickly, listened more carefully, spoke less carelessly, and held onto one another more tightly. And, along the way, took time to remember that while the abundant life Jesus offers isn’t without difficulties, it is a life in which God is present with us.
One celebration marked a beginning. The other celebrated a legacy. And somehow, they belong together.
A wedding reminds us that life is always moving forward. A centennial reminds us to look back and remember the people, prayers, sacrifices, ministries, and acts of faithfulness that brought us to this moment … and then look forward to what comes next.
Both remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
Those young newlyweds will build their life one day, one decision, one act of love at a time. And that congregation with its century of ministry will build its future in much the same way—one prayer, one worship service, one child taught, one person welcomed, one need met, one life touched.
Perhaps that is what abundant life really looks like. Not necessarily a spectacular life. Just a faithful life.
Lives lived generously. Lives lived gratefully. Lives willing to love. Lives willing to begin again. Lives willing to remember. Lives that leave something of God’s grace behind for those who come after.
I am reminded that every one of us is somewhere along that journey. Some of us are beginning something new. Some of us are building on what others have begun. Some of us are looking back with gratitude. Some of us are wondering what comes next.
Wherever we find ourselves, Jesus’ invitation remains the same: Live deeply. Love generously. Trust faithfully. Receive the life God has given you as a gift. And remember always that God is with you and loves you. That’s abundance.
And perhaps the greatest gift we can give one another is helping each other discover it and claim it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of life in all its seasons—for beginnings and endings, for memories and possibilities, for young love and enduring faithfulness. Help me to live the abundant life you have placed before me. May my life become a gift to others, and may they find something of your love and grace because I was faithful with the life you gave me. Amen.
