Growing in Faith And Marrying Kind
2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
When I was almost 18 and a senior in High School, we had a Bible Study in our home for kids from my class. We were going to a new church that believed in following the practices and structure of the early church in the bible. We were growing, fueled in part by the Jesus Movement of the 70’s. The above was my very favorite verse. I loved to think about the idea of looking into the face of Jesus, like into a mirror, His word.
A year went by with the focus of my life being the worship at this church, helping my mom with the family and working. It was Spring of my 19th year and I signed up with at my good old Congregational Church to be on the work crew for High Schoolers on their spring ski trip and retreat. I got accepted. This meant I could ski by day and serve meals morning and dinnertime. I could also sit in on the spiritual sessions. I loved every aspect of the trip and participated all I could.
I noticed of one of the counselors on the trip. He spoke at a fireside chat and I liked what he had to say. He seemed very gentle and kind with a good sense of humor, so I asked him if he skied or anything. He said he stayed back with some of the campers who didn’t ski and worked on his teaching when we skied. I noticed up close he was pretty handsome. Well I must have grown on him a little because we road home to Minnesota on the bus together. Turns out he was in charge of the Jr. High drop in center at the Congregational church. And he was studying to be a youth pastor. Within a year we were married.
As you can see I remember our meeting fondly. I remember many things in a good light. But he was a very young man to go through all that we went through — and my heart goes out to him, too. How was he to know how well I would do in my life? My bi-polar on top of the death of our two children frightened him, I think in a time when our country was also in turmoil. At any rate, it is not for me to judge, or try to reason his actions. I have enough to manage taking care of my own.
Every day we have a choice about how we want to view our past and present. How we want to view our future. Are we going to look at our past with mercy and forgiveness for ourselves and others, as the Lord does — without bitterness? Are we going to live our present in love and our future in hope? I am. That is my intention. For I still love the verse,
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Libby Baker Sweiger 
I’m really looking at the picture, cars, clothing and hair styles… Bring back memories of the 70s. Thanks!
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You really had to be there, but I thought it was a fun time!
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Wow, what a crazy time in your life. You certainly are gracious in this introduction to your ex-husband. It helps us to be more compassionate when we hear about him by your example. I like what you shared about viewing our pasts, present and futures. Harboring bitterness doesn’t hurt the other person, but sure can destroy us. What a wonderful scripture to share.
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You know Mimi, it was really something. I believe God had His hand on me during the time we parted very strongly because I needed Him so much. I knew in my heart and spirit I had to choose against bitterness and towards forgiveness or it would destroy the best part of me. And so I did. And I’ve kept that resolve with me for other things over the years. I so have one bad habit and it’s a lulu. He was from Missouri and loved to cheer for St. Louis. As a young wife I supported him as much as I could and listened to all the great things he had to say about his division, etc. Now I get an intense satisfaction when Missouri loses at anything. Tiddlywinks, doesn’t matter! LOL Go Vikes! Go Twins! Go Wild!
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Libby:)! I love your posts:)! I love the strength, courage and love you so humbly represent:)! You inspire me and remind me of the beauty that lives on no matter what we go through in Life:)! Luv and Light to you sweet angel:)!<3
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Awww Daisy! You are so kind! I’m glad you are enjoying the posts! I enjoy yours so much. Love and blessings to you dear one 🙂 ❤
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Lovely Libby, I am in awe of the gift of words & memory that our Lord has given you! You are so real & raw with your beautiful way you bear your soul with us! I cover you & this book with the mighty blood of Jesus! I agree 100% with the wonderful comments above! I love you more but Jesus loves you most! 🙂
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Mare, you are such a dear and such a wonderful friend and support through all! The Lord is blessing me so much as I remember treasured times and His Grace through all of my life. Love you more too 🙂 ❤
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Libby, reading again per your response! Great outlook about past relationship/ex-husband. The circumstances are a lot for a young or old person to handle, understand and grip. Loosing one child is hard/bad enough, but two can rocks some’s foundation or believe even more. Thank You for another peek into your life and your openness with it!
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Thanks for re-reading Denise. I kinda let this one fly before it was quite finished :). You’re comments are insightful and very understanding. You’re a person of compassion and humor, two of my favorite qualities.
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