Three days from now our youngest daughter, Amy, will be taking her wedding vows. She is the last of our three daughters to get married. Most of the preparations are complete. That's a big relief! She has done a wonderful job of preparing for this treasured moment.
But, there are still enough little items popping up to keep the family on the move and a little anxious until the big day comes. Indeed, it will be a memorable day as Amy will take the arm of Ben, her fiancé, and make a commitment to live with him and love him for better or for worse "until death do us part."
As the ceremony commences, those who love her and have watched her wind through life to this special moment will surround her. Embracing her with the sureness of their presence and hopes for success will be her family members and lifelong friends, as well as Ben's family welcoming her into their own lives. Yes, it's a day of powerful and meaningful transitions.
As the officiating minister, mine is a unique opportunity, as I will not only be looking into the young couple's eyes, but also the eyes (and maybe, too, the hearts) of the audience as they reflect on life. Weddings are unique that way. There will be moments of glee, a hush, a chuckle, a tear or two, an elongated "ooh" or "aah" as the circle of life takes one more joyful turn.
And then comes the wedding supper! Now, with the formalized ceremony over and all the legal documents signed—it's real. They are married! Now, we can celebrate and relax with good food, music, dancing and laughter. We can catch up on family news and meet new family members.
All the effort has paid off. All those anxious moments between frustration and prayers, joy and disappointment are eased and tucked aside in the wake of the reality that a new family has indeed come to life.
I wish you could all join us for the occasion, but seeing my wife and I are paying for the wedding and the meal, we can only invite so many. Sorry! But, I'm sure many of you have "been there" and fully understand.
