Beauty for Ashes

Today I was struck by the memory of what I once was.  I was listening to this song by Shane and Shane:

Beauty for ashes, 

A garment of praise for my heaviness

Beauty for ashes, 

Take this heart of stone and make it yours

I delight myself in the richest of fare

Trading all that I have for all that is better

A garment of praise for my heaviness

You are the greatest taste, you're the richest of fare

You are better, so much better

On our wedding day, I walked down the aisle to this song.  It meant a lot to Kevin and I back then.  I was very aware of the ashes of my life and the beauty that God gave me.  Today, I was struck by the phrase, "a garment of praise for my heaviness".  I sensed the weight of the sorrow I once experienced and the joy that has replaced it. I am new. I am no longer under the weight, the heaviness, of my sin. Jesus took it from me, for me. I delight myself in the richest of fare. Father, you are the richest of fare! I do delight in you.