Display

Display

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

CLIMBING ON THE COACH BUS that would transport us from the hotel to the church, I surveyed the group of guests in wedding finery chatting in the seats. All were strangers, although a few of Tim’s old classmates were present. When we took our seats and the line of buses rolled forward, I watched in astonishment as our little parade was accompanied by the keening sirens and rumbling motorcycles of a police escort.

It was April in New Orleans, and each moment of our trip had been a display of the city’s history and charm. We’d spent the past couple of days wandering the French Quarter, eating crawfish étouffée and po’boys, soaking in music and art. By the time we attended the wedding of a childhood friend of Tim’s, we understood why he and his fiancée had met at Tulane and fallen in love with each other—and with the city.

As the day unfolded, each part of the wedding was not only a celebration of marriage, it was a display of the best of New Orleans. The reception was held at a historic location across from Jackson Square, and we all indulged in both the traditional wedding cake and the city’s tradition of a groom’s cake. Though the three forms of musical entertainment—including a Grammy Award–winning singer—were impressive, the brass band that led us around the square for a “second line” captured the spirit of the city. By the time fireworks exploded as we stood in the street, I was thoroughly amazed.

Each experience celebrated the couple, but it also displayed their love for the city. When we love something or someone, we want to boast about our object of affection. We want others to see the person or place the way we do, highlighted in the best of ways. Just as creation displays the glory of God, as his children, we are witnesses and participants in displaying and demonstrating the greatness of our God. Our words and actions are the best opportunities we have to display the grace and mercy of Jesus to a watching world.

Lord, you are worthy of praise. May we display your power and love in all that we do. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Intentionally display Jesus today by talking about him to those you love or demonstrating his work in the world through your actions.