Michael and Mahler

     Moses and Michael.
     I don't think either of them needs an introduction.
     Both of them starting to show their age.  Maybe a bit worn and a bit worse for the wear.
     But both still treasured members of our family who will give us memories for the rest of our days.  Moses we adopted when he was 5 years old--simply the best Christmas ever for all our children...well, and for us too.
     Michael J.--he came to us in a bit of a different way...
     Twenty-six years ago this August 8th, my husband and I were married on a sunny, hot summer's day.  A day of joy.  A day when God began this little family.  O thank You, Father.  Forgive me for sometimes forgetting, for taking for granted all that You have done in giving me my husband and children and friends and extended family, and, of course, Moses!  Who could have imagined all that God had in mind for us on that steamy August day all those years ago?  All that the years would give-- each precious child.  Each birthday.  Each Christmas morning.  Each homecoming to heaven for greatly beloved and treasured family and friends.  Each moment of heartache.  Each moment of joy.
     And God has been right there with us for every single moment of every single day.  "It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed." (Deut.31:8)   Thank You for never ever forsaking us, Lord...not even for a moment.
     So here's how Michael Jordan came to at our wedding:
     Two of our groomsmen--some of my husband's oldest and dearest friends--"borrowed" this life-size Michael Jordan from the hotel where they were staying for the wedding.  I suspect the hotel was not overly thrilled by their actions.  The mischievous groomsmen then secretly hid Michael in the choir stalls behind the alter at the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro.  I wish I had a picture of the church.  It is beautiful, spectacular.  Maybe not the kind of place you might associate with a life-size cut out of a grinning basketball player.  But you never know.
     So things proceeded smoothly for the ceremony.  Regular old, lovely wedding.  Finally, wonderful Dr. Mullin pronounced us husband and wife, and Richard and I happily turned and began walking down the aisle.  But what's that?  Were we hearing laughter ripple through the congregation?   We just figured everyone was soooo happy for us.  And, well heck, we were mighty happy and felt like laughing too.
    What we didn't realize was that the congregation was indeed happy--to see Michael J. suddenly appear from behind the choir stalls and placed right behind the alter.  There he stood, in all his Chicago Bulls glory--right behind and to the right of the  totally clueless Dr. Mullin.  He, too, was a bit puzzled by the sudden and prolonged laughter...until he turned to leave the sanctuary and glimpsed the Tar Heel hero standing just feet from him.  And what could he do but laugh too?!  I have to say--it was terrific!
     I'm thinking First Presbyterian has never seen the likes of that wedding.
     So who were the culprits?  Mahler Thorp and Jimbo Thorp.
     They made our wedding one none of us will ever forget.  The Michael Jordan wedding is still surely legend in Greensboro.  No one remembers what anyone wore or the food or the flowers...but they remember the joyous hilarity of Michael showing up at just the right time at the front of the sanctuary.
     I share all this with a heavy heart, for our dear friend, Mahler, went home to be with the Lord on Monday when he was killed in a car wreck.  And trust me, the world is a bit darker, a bit less joyous, and surely a bit less fun since Mahler left us.  He will be deeply, deeply missed.
      But, boy, heaven is surely rocking about now.
      I'm betting that he's up there teaching everyone the Tar Heel fight song.  And they are all having a ball...even the Duke fans.
     Thank You, Lord, for the gift of memories.  And of precious old friends.  And thank You for Mahler.  Remind us to live each day to the full and to splash about Your joy to those around us, as Mahler surely did for so many.  You give us one life to live for Your glory.  O help us not to waste it, Lord.  "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)  Thank You for abundant, eternal life that Jesus came to give us.  Might we live it to the full till we go home to be with You on that glorious day.
     To God be the glory.