The Best Man

So, this happened. This past Saturday, my son took a wife and ever since then, a message has been brewing in my heart. No, it goes back to even before. To Levi’s birthday. That’s when the notion to share took root and it’s been hovering on the edges of my mind ever since. It won’t let go. And I thought this would be the time. Here and now…

Oh, I was going to share all about the groom. My heart bursting to tell about my boy and his journey to this past Saturday. But see, God has own thoughts, which are so different from my own. And turns out, He wants me to share, too. Only, it’s about my husband, not my son. Not about my boy, but my man. Because no doubt, God pointed me to the best man this morning.

And that was Jason’s role this past Saturday. Yes, Levi asked his dad to stand by his side and serve as his best man. And I think that’s fitting because in my heart of hearts, I know. I realize that Levi has become the young man he is today because of the godly influence his father has been. And for that I’m grateful.

Jason would shake his head and say no, but truly, he’s the best of us. And by us, I mean me and him. That doesn’t mean he’s perfect and he’s surely had his share of missteps. Believe me. lol. But overall, he’s an example not just to my kids, but to me. In truth, he shows me how I want to be. How I want to live.

I swear, he’s the most patient and level person I know. Rarely does he raise his voice and almost never speaks ill of anyone. If I flare up and say something derogatory, he’ll mention the good. If I’m critical, he sees the other side. He doesn’t dwell on the bad and encourages us to see the positive in life (Phil 4:8-9). And his faith never fails. Never. No, he’s the rock in our family. Stable. And this is what he’s modeled before our children.

And it’s what he’s modeled before me all the days I’ve known him…

I met Jason in my early twenties, on the heels of so much heartache. Our first Christmas, he gave me a Bible. “To: Pamela Diane Peyton. All the keys to life – and beyond – can be found in this book. By: Jason Beau Anderson. With love.” Shortly after, I gave my life to God as best I knew how. That was nearly twenty-seven years ago. And my journey since has been emotionally tumultuous. And I’m sad to say, my faith was shaky at times. But that’s another story.

Jason’s faith, though, has been rock-solid. And for that reason, he never worried about what might happen or the what if’s life throws at you. The gloom and doom and worries of having small children never overshadowed his time with Levi. No, they had so much fun.

Jason was tough when needed and gentle when times called for it. He commanded respect and perhaps a bit of fear. And in recent years, Jason has exhibited such self-motivation and determination. Such discipline. I see the same in Levi.

No doubt, I think Levi’s going to be just like dad and I am in awe of his own rock-solid faith. Saved at a tender age, receiving Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior. And sprinkled throughout the years following, he’s blown me away with such insight. Thoughts beyond his years. And now, at the age of eighteen, he’s bold in his faith. Not ashamed to proclaim the name of Christ. I am so very proud…

Yes, my son has followed Jason’s footsteps in so many ways, even down to working for the same employer, but perhaps it’s this that makes my mama heart the most thankful. The fact that Levi belongs to God. The fact he wants to be godly and live his life for Christ.

This fills my soul with such peace and joy.

And so here we are today. To this morning as I drove home, with all these thoughts just a stewing. That’s when a song came to me. Good, Good Father. As I listened, tears filled my eyes. Because the song is about God. He is the ultimate good Father. And in listening, I realized such a truth about my boy turned young man turned groom.

And I realize how blessed he really is…

See, he’s had such a good dad here on earth. And Jason has poured into him. Not perfectly, mind you, but oh, so well. Jason’s raised him from babyhood to boyhood to manhood. But you know what? So has God. My epiphany is that Levi is so very blessed because Jason was co-parenting all along. And I’m not talking about me.

No, I’m referring to our heavenly Father. In truth, God has raised Levi to manhood in more ways than me or Jason ever could. And that is what fills my heart to overflowing today. I’m so full of gratitude.

Yes, Levi got married and let me tell you, that’s a big thing. A beautiful thing, as someone else mentioned. Indeed, their ceremony was more lovely than I can say. And I think there’ll be more about the bride and groom. Because my heart overflows…

As for today, though, God pointed to the best man. My husband. And though the above pictures aren’t great quality, it’s these that cause my heart to skip a beat. Because these are the last I can find of Levi being held by his dad. His earthly father. He was just shy of seven. And what a comfort to know that even though he’s no longer in my home, being held by us, he’s still being carried today. Because that’s what God is doing. He’s carrying Levi. I believe that. I know that.

And I’m grateful. So grateful for the role model Levi had, and still has, in his good, godly father. Because not everyone has one of those here on earth. The good news, though, is everyone can have a good Father, anyway.

Indeed, He’s just a prayer away. “Our Father, who art in heaven…”

As for my boy, he’s blessed. Because he’s had two in his life. God above and Dad below. Yes, Jason was the best man for that role here on earth. And perhaps that’s why Levi chose him.

Jason was, and is, and most likely always will be…

the best man in our lives.