Best Day of My Life

Sticky Situation
It seems funny now, but that night he was not laughing. Using superglue to repair his flip-flops seemed like a good idea at the time. But when you’re behind the wheel driving down the road it’s very challenging to apply the right amount of superglue. It’s also tough to hold the broken parts together without allowing generous amounts of the miracle bonding agent to get on your hands. When that happens the results are almost instantaneous and very permanent. As it turns out the flip-flip repair was successful. Having his fingers fused together was an added bonus.

Meet the Parents
As he walked up to the front door to pick up his date, this sixteen year-old guy was trying to formulate the best strategy for coming out of this situation unscathed. He’d need to avoid making physical contact with her parents while remaining cool and collected as he explained why his hand was webbed and alien-like. The strategy for being cool did not prove successful. When her father extended his hand for the customary handshake, he decided that simply telling the truth was his best option. On the surface, this scenario did not appear to have great significance, but things are not always as they appear. Looking back, the young man would see that this evening would be one in a series of defining moments that brought him to face-to-face with the beautiful young woman with whom he’d share his life.

Divine Matchmaker
When we see a couple that seems perfect for each other, we sometimes call the relationship a ‘match made in heaven.’ I like that description because I believe it’s true. Over the years I’ve heard so many amazing stories about couples meeting in extraordinary ways that could not possibly be chance or random circumstance. It takes a greater leap of faith to believe in the randomness of the universe than to believe that there’s a loving a Father who wants us to be happy. He knows who will be ‘the one’ to complete us and make us happy. Why does He go to such great lengths to help ensure we’re at the right place at the right time? Because when we’re happy it makes Him happy. So whether you meet that special someone at college, the local supermarket, a clothing store, a water park or via an online dating service, there’s a Divine Matchmaker at work. And He’s really good at his job.

Cats Rule!
The teenage couple that went on that superglue date was my son, Peter and my daughter (in-law), Amanda. Their story is truly amazing, but the short version is that after college they reconnected, fell in love and on a perfect, storybook day in June they were married. Along the way there were many other occurrences where God was connecting the dots. An encounter at a party, a carefully staged karaoke performance, road trips and so much more. Peter and Amanda were made for each other. They share many common interests, but perhaps the greatest thing they share is a love for cats. In their world, cats rule! And in some strange way that I can’t understand, their 3 cats seem to complete them as a couple.

Friday I’m in Love
I’m sharing a little of Peter and Amanda’s love story because it’s a great story and it reflects how much the Father loves and cares for us. The psalmist said that our steps are directed by God and He delights in every detail of our lives. That includes superglue and karaoke songs. The One who supernaturally bonds couples together in marriage also holds the universe together. He’s so crazy about us that the prophet says he sings over us. Check out the Jesus story in the 4 gospels and you’ll be amazed at how much He enjoyed a good party. Jesus said that He came to give us life in all it fullness. And he meant it. If you’re skeptical that God uses karaoke, consider that He used a song to help fan the flame of love in Peter and Amanda’s relationship.

“Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Thursday doesn’t even start
It’s Friday I’m in love”

‘Friday I’m in Love’ by The Cure

Peter sang this song to Amanda in his effort to win her heart. His friend, Josh helped him get to the head of the karaoke line at the just the right time. The performance may not have been flawless, but it had it’s intended affect on the target audience.

Best Day of My Life
The Friday theme played into Peter and Amanda’s story. They were married on a Friday. God is not only a romantic, but He has an incredible sense of humor. When we’re open to the Father, He works with us to make sure our story is infused with generous amounts of love, peace, happiness and fun. Speaking of their wedding day, Amanda’s Facebook status summed it up so well: “Friday, June 13 was the best day of my life!” I can only image how Jesus would comment on her post: “Now that’s what I’m talking about. #GoBriggsOrGoHome” On the best day of your life God will be close by. He’s been there all along. Applying superglue. Connecting the dots. Singing. And pouring out incredible amounts of love. Brace yourself…

I’d love to hear about the best day of your life.

Copyright 2014 John H Briggs