The Empty Chair Doxology

I spoke on the air about the Cowboy Wedding we attended. What an experience. We feel very close to this family and what they've been through the past few years. Instead of focusing on the bride, I wanted to focus on Levi.

Here is a picture of Levi and me from August, 2010.


This was before his heart surgery, when the family had many questions about the future, about whether his little heart could heal, and what life would be like as they moved forward.

I think we're all like that on varying levels. We wonder what "normal" will be like. If there will be an empty chair at the table this time next year.

Levi's family does have an empty chair at their table now. Every night they're reminded of their loss.

But Levi's chair is not, thank God, empty. The empty chair is for  their oldest daughter, Iliana. She married Chance a week ago in an unforgettable ceremony.

At the service the groom and groomsmen made their way to the front. Then came a moment that took my breath away. No, not the beautiful bride, but a tall young man carrying a Bible. It was Levi.


God has a way of replacing the empty chairs of our lives. On Thanksgiving Day, Iliana returned with Chance for dinner.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise him for little hearts that grow.
Praise him for a family's love so rare.
Praise him for the need of an extra chair.