Weddings are a big deal

The wedding was Saturday and I am still a bit tired.  Yesterday, I literally just showed up at things there was not much thinking or anything; but I was there.  The wedding was a lot of fun and went very well.  It was all beautiful.  So why am I so tired?  Mia and Sam did almost everything (Mal and I and Sam's parents did fork out dough) but the work was done by a determined young couple.  I think Deb support Mia a lot as only sisters can do.  And Sam's mom recycled a dress for Mia.  But I am tired.  I didn't sleep much on Friday night, that is because my girls didn't sleep.  So I am sure that contributes.  I imagine my tired is because I put all my emotion and spirit into wanting their wedding to be perfect and not getting in their way.  I am so glad for them that this is behind them and they can press forward into the world and life ahead of them.   Mia n Sam - if your watching,  I love you both and pray that you have a wonderful trip. I can't wait till you get back to hear all about it.  Take lots of photos!

Keep Watch

There is a wedding dress hanging from my balcony in the middle of my living room.  The dress has been carefully ironed and hangs high so that it will not get crushed in a closet.  It is covered with a sheet to keep it clean.  I feel pretty sure that all the details for my daughter's wedding on Saturday have been addressed.  I am just keeping watch, trimmed the lamps, have plenty of oil, but I know the hour of the wedding.

Today, I will put up our Christmas tree (meant to have the done already :) in preparation for Christmas.  I have some gifts to put under the tree so am just about ready for Christmas day.  But there is more than celebrating that Christ came.  I expect the Lord's return though I don't know the hour.  Sometimes I forget that he is coming and have my life busy and so full already that there would scarcely be time for that appointed day.  I plan to take some time, this Christmas to be ready too for the advent (coming) of the Lord.   I am not sure really how to do that but I imagine it like getting ready for my girl's wedding.  I sat and listened to what they wanted then worked my heart out to make that happen for them because I love them so.  I will take some time to listen to what God wants then with all my heart make it happen.  I will let you know how that goes.....

Guarantee

As I see it, I have one guarantee; life eternal with my Lord. I write as a reflection on my daughter’s wedding to a wonderful man name John. During the day, I so enjoyed watching them smile. They are truly happy and seem to me to be well suited for each other. John’s best man commented that he has never seen the “well-balanced” (John’s Dad’s words) John so happy.

I wish that somehow I could promise them life long together. I do not wish them an easy life because I believe much character and strength and wisdom and hope (Rom ) is built through trials. But I do pray for them that it is a life-long marriage. But….I can’t guarantee that. Now that I think about it, I cannot even guarantee them long-life.

During the vows, I prayed that they would not suffer broken vows and divorce like I did. But I can’t guarantee.

I am aware that there were people at the wedding struggling from the recent results of broken marriage. I wish I could have guaranteed them a life-long marriage as I prayed for them at their wedding.

Not long after the beautiful wedding yesterday, I was notified of family members whose behavior was not in the least bit marriage strengthening for them. In fact, the behavior puts the marriage at risk. I can’t guarantee not even for my family.

The fault of course is sin. Sin, I define as separation from God. My marriage broke down when my ex-husband made choices that separated him from God. As a result, I guess I became closer to God; my response to trials that build endurance, character, and hope.

I cannot really comment on any other marriage break up but I reckon someone walked away from or never had God in most cases. I see marriage at risk when people step away from God.

It is so easy to do. Young couples, like I was and did, get married, get busy, have kids, life is good and going to worship becomes difficult. As the church attendance waned so did my connection with God. I turned back to God after time but my husband came and went and finally went permanently.

The guarantee was and ever will be God. My prayer for you Deb and John, and all people, is that you stick close to a church and to the people who will help you and pray for you and challenge you to connect and reconnect with God, your guarantee.

Amen.