About 20 years ago, our house burned; and we lost almost everything. Among the things that were not destroyed was my wedding dress. It was in the attic, carefully wrapped and in a box. We rebuilt the house, and I stored the wedding dress away.

About 6 years ago, we built a new house, and I once again found the wedding dress. I cautioned Bob not to misplace or throw away this cherished item. Much to my distress, I couldn’t find the dress when we moved into the new house. I haven’t stopped looking for it, even though every search has proven futile.

A few weeks ago, we were cleaning out our attic to take some things to our daughter’s yard sale. Bob hates yard sales, but he reluctantly agreed to help me in cleaning out and removing a lot of “junk.”

I was going through a box of Christmas decorations, and I found a bag that didn’t look familiar. When I opened it, there was my wedding dress and veil. It brought a lot of tears and many happy memories. I was so happy to see the dress, not because I will ever wear it again but because of what it symbolizes. It reminds me of a day in my life like no other.

It made me think. We are the bride of Christ. Sometimes Christians get lost, sometimes for short periods of time and sometimes for a long period of time. We can’t give up seeking those lost souls and trying to restore them to the church. The day of our baptism is the most important day of our lives.

Our marriage to Christ is the beginning of our journey to heaven. It is most certainly a day like no other, or at least it should be. Our baptism symbolizes our union with Christ and our dedication of our lives here on earth.

I am happy to know that I have my wedding dress, but the greatest happiness any of us could know is that a lost soul has been returned to the Father. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10

Sandra Oliver